[dr_lew]

Last summer's record low sea ice extent was preceded by low ice extent in the 2006-2007 winter season, as I've learned from perusal of the Modis Rapid Response archives.

The thing is that sea ice has had a remarkable resurgence starting in Dec 2007. Now as daylight creeps northward we can start to see some good images of it. Compare this image of the Baffin Sea from Feb 10, 2007 With yesterday's Feb 9, 2008 image.

I'm sure you'll agree the difference is quite striking. I wouldn't go so far as to say this signals the end of global warming, but it ought to assuage fears of a run-away meltdown. We'll have to see what the summer brings.

I might add that the current summer season in the Antarctic is showing extensive sea ice, and even the reformation of the Larsen A ice shelf, as you can see in this image from Feb 2, 2008. Note the collapsed Larsen B embayment to the south of Larsen A is filled with sea ice. In recent years these have been open water at this season. I'm waiting for any press notice of this development. I suppose the new Larsen A may not last the summer, but it looks to me like it will make it, and I'm rooting for it.

[justa-hairyape]

The problem is that Solar Cycle 24 looks to be very weak. And right now we are experiencing a normal La Nina during the typical rising Solar Activity time frame, but because of the weak cycle 24, there is no increasing Solar Activity right now. So it is a double wammy. A La Nina with no increasing Solar Activity means lots of cosmic rays and lots of cloud formation. This year is gonna be quite a ride. Tornado alley is gonna be ripping since the Atlantic is still warm. The only thing that could stop this now would be for some major underseas volcanic activity in the Pacific, but even that would take 3-4 months to warm the Pacific. IMHO.