NASA Measuring Sea Ice at the Peak of Melt

The Arctic sea ice pack is nearing its annual minimum extent, which is projected to be one of the lowest since satellite observations began. Using satellite data and airborne observations, NASA researchers are monitoring the ever-changing ice, and gaining new insights into sea ice thickness and trends. In July, 2016, NASA's Operation IceBridge flew its first ever science flights low over sea ice near the peak of melt season, studying how the beautiful blue melt ponds on the surface of the ice might affect increased melt rates.

Transcript

00:00:00 [music] It's the new normal for Arctic sea ice. The sea ice pack on the top of the world is nearing its summer minimum. And while it probably won’t set a new record this year, summer ice still covers much less ocean than decades ago. [ice crunching] The ice is also thinner and younger on average.

00:00:37 For the first time this summer, NASA’s Operation IceBridge flew a series of flights over the ice, measuring the thickness of the ice and the depth of melt ponds on the ice surface. Combining this data with satellite observations will help researchers model the future of Arctic sea ice. [music]