NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Last September, sea ice levels reached record summertime lows in the Arctic, continuing a decades-long decline. This month, sea ice around Antarctica reaches its seasonal low point during the Southern Hemisphere summer and arctic sea ice hits its annual wintertime high. Scientists are monitoring the amount and age of sea ice to see if the declining trend persists. Of particular interest is how arctic sea ice has been affected this winter by temperatures that are slightly colder than in recent years.

Today, scientists present the latest satellite observations of changing sea ice conditions in Earth's northern and southern polar regions.

> All media for telecon participants located at this link

The participants are:

• Moderator: Seelye Martin, Cryospheric Sciences Program, Earth Science Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington
  
  
• Josefino Comiso, Cryospheric Sciences Branch, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
  
  
• Walter Meier, National Snow and Ice Data Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo.
  
  

Related Links:

> Feature Story - Researchers Say Arctic Sea Ice Still at Risk Despite Cold Winter

> NASA Examines Arctic Sea Ice Changes Leading to Record Low in 2007

> 'Remarkable' Drop in Arctic Sea Ice Raises Questions

> National Snow and Ice Data Center’s Sea Ice Page

For More Information and Interviews:

Contact: Steve Cole
NASA Headquarters Public Affairs
Phone: 202-358-0918
Email: Stephen.e.cole@nasa.gov

Contact: Stephanie Renfrow
National Snow and Ice Data Center
Phone: 303-492-1497
Email: srenfrow@nsidc.org

Gretchen Cook-Anderson
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center