Multiyear Ice

Multiyear ice refers to sea ice in the Arctic that has survived continuous summer melts for multiple years. Unlike seasonal ice, which forms and melts annually, multiyear ice is thicker, more resilient, and older, often exceeding several meters in thickness. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the Arctic environment by providing stable habitat for wildlife and influencing global climate patterns. As climate warming accelerates, multiyear ice is diminishing, leading to a less stable and more unpredictable Arctic ecosystem, and opening new navigational and resource opportunities.