Well there was much discussion as to whether the Artcic sea ice melt this year would set a record. A few scientists predicted that the north pole could even be ice free by the end of the summer. Well, in terms of sea ice extent, it didn't break last year's record (but did come in second). However, it appears that the Arctic ice did break the record in terms of volume (which is actually the more important factor).
NSIDC Research Scientist Walt Meier said, “Warm ocean waters helped contribute to ice losses this year, pushing the already thin ice pack over the edge. In fact, preliminary data indicates that 2008 probably represents the lowest volume of Arctic sea ice on record, partly because less multiyear ice is surviving now, and the remaining ice is so thin.”
This is not a good sign. Because of a strong La Nina cycle, this year has been significantly cooler than last year. And yet the Arctic sea ice extent almost matched last year's record melt, and the volume loss seems to have surpassed it. Not a good sign for the North Pole.
