We see that over most parts of the Arctic, the sea ice has already retreated poleward of where it should be for an average September. However, the projected sea ice minimum is still several weeks into the future. That said, the ice extent for August 22 is slightly greater than observed last year at the same time (see Figure 2). 2005 was the record minimum sea ice extent.
The Northwest Passage, through the channels of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, is essentially clear. An unusual polynya, an irregularly shaped area of open water, has appeared north of Alaska in the Beaufort Sea.
Wouter
Quote selectie