Late Summer Sea Ice Conditions

Typical sea ice types are shown here at the end of the summer melt season, as well as how often sea ice has been present at any location on September 10 over the last 30 years . Based on the observations of sea ice extent and types over the last 30 years, this map shows how frequently sea ice has been present and what is the most likely predominant ice type and where. Sea ice is any form of ice that is found at sea and has originated from the freezing of seawater. The ice type gives an indication of the thickness of sea ice such as new ice, grey ice, grey-white ice, first year ice, and old ice. Ice represents a danger for navigation. Information on sea ice is essential in estimating transportation costs, and what type of vessel is appropriate. This map shows the typical sea ice types at the end of the summer melt season (September 10) as well as frequency of sea ice on that date. The frequency of sea ice indicates how often sea ice has been present on September 10 over the last 30 years.