Book 18, Question 138
What Is the Difference Between Old and New Arctic Ice?
New Arctic ice formed this winter, and old ice has survived at least one summer. They look different, and they act differently too. Scientists keep track of how much of each there is.
More fun facts
- Old sea ice survives from year to year and grows thicker.
- New, seasonal ice grows in winter and melts in summer.
- More than 70 percent of Arctic sea ice is now seasonal.
- Satellites can tell old and new ice apart.
- Now, old ice is melting inside the Arctic Ocean during summer.
Sources: NASA, NASA Science
Questions kids ask
How much Arctic ice is new each year?
More than 70 percent of Arctic sea ice is now seasonal ice that grows in winter and melts in summer.