Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sea ice levels refer to the extent or coverage of floating ice on top of seawater. It represents the amount of frozen ocean surface area at any given time.
Related terms
Albedo Effect: The albedo effect refers to how much sunlight is reflected back into space by different surfaces on Earth. High sea ice levels contribute to higher albedo since they reflect more sunlight back into space.
Melting Point Depression: Melting point depression occurs when adding impurities lowers the melting point temperature of a substance. In terms of sea ice levels, impurities can affect its melting point causing it to melt at lower temperatures.
Ice Algae: Ice algae are microscopic plants that grow on the underside of sea ice. They play a crucial role in polar ecosystems as they provide food for various organisms and contribute to carbon cycling.