Areal and seasonal extent of sea-ice cover off the northwestern side of the Antarctic Peninsula: 1979 through 1995

Analysis of seasonal sea ice cover of a 1,250,000 km2 area off the northwestern side of the Antarctic Peninsula indicates that four "ice events" have occurred during the last 1 7 years. The most recent event was first apparent in 1994 and continues through the latest data available. Variability between ice events in seasonal timing, areal extent, seasonal duration and persistence over multiple years is apparent. Annual curves of sea ice cover were integrated over time to produce an annual index of sea ice cover in units of 106 km2-months.