Sea ice is an important part of Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems, providing a habitat for primary producers such as algae and plankton to thrive. Ships hoping to safely navigate polar waters must also pay close attention to sea ice. To properly understand changes in sea ice over time, scientists need robust data about the age of sea ice around the world.

Sea ice has been melting at abnormally high rates in recent years due to global warming. This has created a trend away from older, thicker sea ice and toward younger, thinner sea ice that is more prone to melting during the summer months. Satellite observations can estimate sea ice age by measuring the emissivity of the ice at different wavelengths. 

NASA’s Earth observation data useful to the study of sea ice age include sea ice characteristics, thickness, and concentration measurements. These data help scientists better understand polar ecosystems, risks to Arctic shipping, and the effects of climate change on the planet.