Scientists Predict Ice-Free Summers for Arctic

The latest data on Arctic Sea ice shows thicker, second-year ice has grown – but scientists say the Arctic is still likely on its way to ice-free summers.  A new study out on Tuesday confirms that summer, 2009 had the third-lowest ice cover in the 30 years since satellite record-keeping.  But it also shows longer-lasting “second year ice” is substantially greater than it has been in recent years.  Second year ice has survived two summers of melting, and is stronger and thicker than new ice.Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DCDownload Audio (MP3)