Antarctic Ice at an All-Time High

While Arctic sea ice coverage almost hit a record low recently, Antarctic ice is currently at an all-time high. During the month of September it is normal for the Arctic ice to be at a low for the year because the northern hemisphere is nearing the end of the summer season; however, Arctic ice coverage actually shrank to the sixth lowest level on record earlier this week (National Snow and Ice Data Center). Arctic sea ice is currently at a much lower level (1.96 million square miles) than the average minimum levels (2.37 million square miles) collected between 1979 to 2010. This drastic change in sea ice levels is indicative of global warming .

As Arctic ice hits a yearly low in September, the Antarctic ice levels are at their highest due to the end of the winter season in the southern hemisphere. The Antarctic sea ice hit an all-time high of 7.63 million square miles earlier this week, and is expected to increase. Here is what USA Today had to say about the record-setting sea ice:

The amount and volume of ice in Antarctica depend on a complex relationship among air, water, wind and ozone depletion, involving natural and man-made influences, scientist Ted Scambos of the data center said this year.

Changing wind patterns seem to be the main reason why the Antarctic ice is at an all-time high. Nevertheless, ocean waters are warming overall, and climate change is just as much of an issue as ever.