The lowest maximum Arctic sea extent since 1979 was recorded on March 7, 2017, measuring million square miles (**** million square miles). The five lowest maximum ice extents were all recorded in the last decade. The frozen layers of seawater that cap the Arctic Ocean typically reach a maximum size in March of each year. After melting during the summer months, the minimum Arctic sea extent usually occurs in September of each year.
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National Snow and Ice Data Center. (March 31, 2024). Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 22, 2026, from /statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/
National Snow and Ice Data Center. "Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers)." Chart. March 31, 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 22, 2026. /statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/
National Snow and Ice Data Center. (2024). Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers). ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2026. /statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/
National Snow and Ice Data Center. "Lowest Maximum Arctic Sea Ice Extents as of 2024 (in Million Square Kilometers)." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 31 Mar 2024, /statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/
National Snow and Ice Data Center, Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers) ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/ (last visited July 22, 2026)
Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers) [Graph], National Snow and Ice Data Center, March 31, 2024. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/