Arctic sea ice grows and shrinks with the seasons.
NASA works with NSIDC to track sea ice,
identifying when it reaches its peak extent at the end of winter
and the annual minimum at the end of summer.
This year, Arctic sea ice reached its maximum extent March 13, 2019.
Although it wasn’t a record, it continued a trend of declining maximums and minimums.
Sea ice plays an important role in regulating the planet’s climate, reflecting sunlight and heat back into space.
NASA