lightblueline

NOTE: since arctic ice is floating already, it's melting does not directly raise sea level. But the fact that the water is darker than the ice helps the planet absorb more heat over time.

BBC Monday, August 13, 2007. Reported by Mark Kinver:

You can read the whole article here:Arctic sea ice set to hit new low

"Arctic sea ice is expected to retreat to a record low by the end of this summer, scientists have predicted.

Measurements made by the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) showed the extent of sea ice on 8 August was almost 30% below the long-term average.

Because the region's melting season runs until the middle of September, scientists believe this summer will end with the lowest ice cover on record.

Researchers have forecast ice-free summers in the Arctic by 2040.

NSIDC data showed sea ice extent for 8 August as 5.8m sq km (2.2m sq miles), compared to the 1979-2000 August average of 7.7m sq km (3.0m sq miles).

The current record low was recorded in 2005, when Arctic sea ice covered just 5.32m sq km (2.09m sq miles). "