Arctic sea ice fell to the lowest volume on record in 2008
December 17, 2008
Arctic sea ice fell to the lowest volume — and second lowest extent — on record, according to the annual World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Statement on the Status of the Global Climate.
The data was compiled from research published this year. Average sea ice extent during September was 4.67 million square kilometers, just 9 percent above last year's record low of 4.3 million square kilometers and 34 percent below the long-term average from 1979 to 2000.
The report also shows that 2008 will likely rank as the 10th warmest year since 1850, currently 0.31°C/0.56°F above the 1961-1990 annual average of 14.00°C/57.2°F.
The report noted episodes of extreme drought and flooding in locations around the world.
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