On the 2012 record low Arctic sea ice cover: Combined impact of preconditioning and an August storm

Abstract

A new record low Arctic sea ice extent for the satellite era, 3.4 × 106 km2, was reached on 13 September 2012; and a new record low sea ice area, 3.0 × 106 km2, was reached on the same date. Preconditioning through decades of overall ice reductions made the ice pack more vulnerable to a strong storm that entered the central Arctic in early August 2012. The storm caused the separation of an expanse of 0.4 × 106 km2 of ice that melted in total, while its removal left the main pack more exposed to wind and waves, facilitating the main pack's further decay. Future summer storms could lead to a further acceleration of the decline in the Arctic sea ice cover and should be carefully monitored. Key Points Arctic sea ice coverage reached a new record low in September 2012 A major storm in August 2012 accelerated the decline of the Arctic sea ice Recent retreat and thinning made the 2012 Arctic ice cover more vulnerable ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.