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Animation of Annual Variation in Sea Ice Extent in the Southern Hemisphere

Images courtesy the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). Animation by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).
This animation shows the annual variation of sea ice extent in the Southern Hemisphere. Throughout the winter the cold temperatures freeze more and more of the water in the Southern Ocean, gradually building up a layer of ice on the surface that covers millions of square kilometers. This ice pack generally reaches its maximum extent around September.

As warmer temperatures arrive in the Antarctic in the springtime, the ice begins to melt and much of the ice pack breaks up. This continues throughout the summer, so the extent of the ice pack is usually at its minimum around February. Thereafter it begins growing again, repeating the annual cycle.

This animation shows seven years of this cycle, from January 2002 through December 2008.

(Note: If you cannot see the animation you may need to download the latest QuickTime player.)

Go to the NSIDC web site to:

Last modified February 23, 2009 by Randy Russell.

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The Spring 2010 issue of The Earth Scientist, focuses on the ocean, including articles on polar research, coral reefs, ocean acidification, and climate. Includes a gorgeous full color poster!

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