September 21st, 2007 marks the first of quarterly International Polar Days - this time focusing on Sea Ice. The International Polar Days are the response to journalists and educators seeking a focus on the extremely broad International Polar Year. Todays International Polar Day gives background information on sea ice, press releases on the topic, access to experts, links to images and video, educational and community activities, and connection to researchers in the field.

The Norwegian Polar Institute contributes to the International Polar Day with several experts (Link to sea ice experts) and the research vessel Lance, currently on mission in the Fram Strait.

Sea ice represents a distinctive feature of our planet. It covers most of the Arctic Ocean and surrounds most of the Antarctic continent. Sea ice isolates the atmosphere from the ocean and produces the coldest saltiest ocean waters. Sea ice contains unique organisms that sustain under-ice ecosystems.  Poised where slight warming converts ice to water, sea ice has an exquisite sensitivity to climate. 

Link to IPY's International Polar Day web site

Photo: Sebastian Gerland, NPI