Antarctic sea ice reached its third-lowest annual maximum in the satellite record, according to a NASA Earth Observatory report published on 12 October. The likely seasonal peak occurred on 14 September, when extent reached about 17.59 million square kilometres.
The analysis draws on satellite observations tracked by NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center. Annual maximum extent describes the largest area covered during the growth season, rather than the amount of ice by volume.
The report concerns Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere. Its publication date should not be confused with the September observation, or the Antarctic maximum with the Arctic’s separate seasonal minimum.