qSea-ice extent is expected to become a sensitive indicator of a warming climate.
qA 10 to 15% reduction in sea-ice extent in the Arctic spring and summer since the 1950s is consistent with an increase in spring, and to a lesser extent, summer temperatures in the high latitudes.
qThere is little indication of reduced Arctic sea-ice extent during winter when temperatures have increased in the surrounding region.
q
q
q