Arctic Sea Ice Melts to Its Second Smallest Area on Record

Arctic sea ice cover reached the second-lowest point on record this month, tying a level last reached in 2007, according to a report from scientists who monitor the Arctic.

Scientists from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) reported that ice covered 1.60 million square miles on Sept. 10, the lowest point of the year. Arctic sea ice regularly waxes and wanes with the winter and summer season.

The near-record low may come as a surprise to those who follow weather in the Arctic closely.