Arctic icecap shrinking

The area covered by sea ice in the Arctic has shrunk for a fourth consecutive year, according to new data.

US scientists say the area currently covered in ice is the smallest for more than a century.

Researchers conclude that human-induced global warming is at least partially responsible.

They warn the shrinkage could lead to even faster melting in coming years.

"September 2005 will set a new record minimum in the amount of Arctic sea ice cover," said Mark Serreze, of the National Snow and Ice Data Centre.

"It's the least sea ice we've seen in the satellite record, and continues a pattern of extreme low extents of sea ice which we've now seen for the last four years."

September is the month when the Arctic ice usually reaches a minimum.

More news