Antarctica’s surrounding sea ice has reached a record low for this time of year, a stark contrast to the record-high extent observed as recently as 2014. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), while the ice cover continues its annual growth, daily extents have been at record lows since April 2023. This sea ice acts as a protective barrier for glaciers and other ice shelves on continental Antarctica. Reduced sea ice means less protection for the inland ice against warming temperatures. It’s crucial to note that while melting sea ice doesn’t directly contribute to sea level rise—since it’s … Continue reading Antarctica’s Ice Melting Faster Than Ever: What This Means for Our Future!