Greater Maximum Artic Sea Ice Extent This Winter

Arctic Max Sea Ice Extent Winter 2011-2012 - NASA

OK, not a lot more, but at least not another new record low. So a small optimistic note after yesterday's gloomy posting.

But don't get too optimistic too fast. Quoting the last two paragraphs from the NASA link:

'Meier points out something else about Arctic sea ice extent. “The nine lowest maximum extents have occurred in the last nine years, since 2004,” he says.

Although Arctic sea ice has continued to grow later in the season, the ice has been thin—only about 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) thick at most, Meier explains. “So it will all melt away very quickly. I don’t expect the late-season growth spurt to have a big effect on sea ice extent next summer.” '