The above is comparing the ice cap 10 years ago to today:
It shows more ice today above Alaska but less about western Russia. In fact, they are very similar given that the
ice grows dramatically day-to-day at this time of year.
It shows that this year's ice extent is very typical for the last six years. 2007 had an unusually large melt in the
summer. 2008 had more melt than normal in late summer, probably due to the loss of multi-year ice from the year
before. Nevertheless, things appear to be returning to normal.