The map shows the sea ice extent in the Northern Hemisphere. It is updated on a daily basis.

In order to get a true picture of the state of the sea ice, it is necessary to determine its extent, thickness and volume.

The graph shows the annual variation in the extent of the sea ice in the Northern Hemisphere. The extent of the sea ice is defined by areas that have an ice concentration of at least 15%, i.e. 15% of the surface is covered by ice.

The grey band around the climatological mean value corresponds to plus/minus one standard deviation.

The extent of the ice is based on satellite data and are from the Ocean and Sea Ice, Satellite Application Facility project (OSISAF).

See also the map of the thickness and volume of the sea ice.

Read more here.