In 2022 the average sea ice extent in September In september of 2012, sea ice in the arctic reached

(the yearly minimum) was smaller than 1979. it’s record minimum, receding away from much of
the land.

In 2022, arctic sea ice did not recede quite to the extant of the record minimum in 2012, but it spent
msot of the year below the interdecile range of 1981-2010
Sea ice forms over winter and spring as the Arctic air and sea water cool, so sea
ice extent is at its maximum in March. Sea ice melts over summer and autumn as
the Arctic air and sea water warm, so sea ice extent is at its minimum in
September.