State of the Climate 2012: [Antarctica] Sea ice extent and concentration

Antarctic sea ice in 2012 was characterized by generally above-average area and extent throughout the year, compared to the 1981–2010 mean, with the exception of late May through early June and late November through much of December (Fig. 6.8a). A new maximum sea ice extent was recorded during September (since satellite records began in 1978; see http:// nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews). Regionally, the pattern of sea ice variability throughout the year was closely associated with variations in large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns and related local sea surface temperatures.