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Arctic sea ice grows and shrinks with the seasons.

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NASA works with NSIDC to track sea ice,

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identifying when it reaches its peak extent at the end of winter

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and the annual minimum at the end of summer.

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This year, Arctic sea ice reached its maximum extent March 13, 2019. 

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Although it wasn’t a record, it continued a trend of declining maximums and minimums.

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Sea ice plays an important role in regulating the planet’s climate, reflecting sunlight and heat back into space. 

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NASA