Multiyear sea ice replenishment due to first-year ice aging at the end of the summer is a key factor in maintaining the overall Arctic sea ice mass balance. Utilizing satellite observations from 2000 to 2023, here we show that a significant poleward shift in the multiyear ice replenishment occurs in the north pole region (NPR) of the Arctic (north of 80˚N). The large-scale atmospheric circulation mode, characterized by an extensive and persistent high-pressure (low-pressure) pattern on the Siberia (North America) side, is responsible for the poleward shift of multiyear ice (MYI) replenishment. Associated with the poleward expansion of the multiyear sea ice replenishment, a significant decline in sea ice thickness over the central Arctic and reduced sea ice volume flux via the Fram Strait are identified. Moreover, a strengthened (weakened) connection between summer melting (winter freezing) conditions and MYI replenishment variability is outlined. This indicates that the Arctic sea ice is less resilient to warming than previous reports.
Observations from the Little Bunker
Last updated: January 02, 2026 12:20 PM
Atmospheric CO₂
427.9 ppm
+18.1
ppm/year
Atmospheric CH₄
1930.95 ppb
+-3.5
ppb/year
Global Temperature
+1.48 °C
Peak: +1.73°C
World Population
8.1 billion
+67
million/year