The extent of antarctic sea ice throughout the year
| Antarctic sea ice is one of the most variable features of the Earth system. It reaches its maximum extent of 20 million square kilometers in September and recedes to its minimum extent of 4 million square kilometers in February. Sea ice is formed through the freezing of ocean water and around Antarctica it ranges up to a few meters thick. This is different than the ice on the continent of Antarctica, which is formed from compressed snow and can be up to 4 kilometers thick. Sea ice acts as a lid on the ocean keeping the heat of the warmer ocean water in the ocean and reflecting |
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