NASA On Air: 2015 Arctic Sea Ice Minimum Annual Extent Is Fourth Lowest On Record (9/15/2015)

LEAD: Scientists report today (September 15, 2015) that the Arctic sea ice summertime minimum is the fourth lowest on record. 1. Analysis of satellite data by NASA and the National Snow Ice Data Center indicates that the accelerated summer melting trend since the late 1970s continues. 2. This increased melting is a response to the warming global temperatures. 3. It is unclear whether this year's strong El Niño has had any impact on the Arctic sea ice. TAG: Weather and climate researchers are continuing to study the possible effects that the increased open Arctic waters in the autumn might have on snowstorm development in the winter season.