O ice experts! I have a question about this graph...

[XemaSab]

Why is it that in every year there's a deep trough, followed by a sharp rise, a small trough, and another, higher peak before going back into the abyss? :shrug:

[nightrider767]

1. Well For One There Seems To Be Annual variations in the wave pattern

which would explain seasonal changes. But in that case, the wave side would be smooth and it is not.

Does it spike in spring?

[daninthemoon]

2. The Earth is tilted on it's axis. During half the year, the north gets

more sun, during the other half, the south. During the northern hemisphere's winter, the Arctic Ocean freezes over. During our summer, the ice melts. The south pole is covered by a continent, so not as much sea ice.

[Speck Tater]

3. Just a guess, but...

it might be the larger peak is winter at the north pole and smaller peak is winter at the south pole, which has less sea in the polar area, and would contribute less sea ice during its winter peak.

[razzleberry]

4. is the Northern and Southern hemisheres were displayed separately..

it would be obvious,
the South has much more ice

[XemaSab]

6. But this is sea ice, not total ice

:shrug:

But yeah, I think if there were two lines superimposed it would be clear what the deal is...

[phantom power]

5. heat of fusion?

some mass of water losing the 80 calories per gram it takes to turn to ice? Just pullin stuff out of my... memory.