Antarctic Sea Ice Reaches Second Lowest Maximum Extent on Record in 2024

Antarctic sea ice reached its annual maximum extent on September 19, 2024, measuring 17.16 million square kilometers. This places 2024 as the second lowest maximum extent in the 46-year satellite record, just surpassing the record low from 2023. The extent is significantly below the 1981 to 2010 average and reflects ongoing shifts in sea ice behavior, with much of the reduction seen in the Indian Ocean while some areas near the Amundsen Sea show above-average levels. Despite some uncertainty in the data due to outages, this low extent highlights a trend of reduced sea ice growth observed in recent years.

The 2024 maximum occurred four days earlier than the median date, which is consistent with the slow growth patterns seen since mid-July. While weather factors influence short-term variations, scientists continue to debate the reasons for the long-term decrease in sea ice extent. As of now, the overall trend from 1979 to 2024 shows only a slight 0.8 percent increase per decade, which is considered insignificant. The causes and implications of these patterns are still under investigation.