Polar sea ice remains more extensive than the long-term average, as has been the case for most of this year. Satellite instruments have precisely measured polar sea ice extent since 1979, producing a 33-year record of objective data. Arctic sea ice extent is close to the long-term average while Antarctic sea ice remains substantially above the long-term average. Antarctic sea ice extent has been above the long-term average every day this year and was at or above the long-term average nearly every day in 2012, as well.
