Antarctic sea ice extent has fallen dramatically in recent years – the effects include accelerated ocean warming, faster loss of inland ice sheets and severe impacts on wildlife

Antarctic sea ice is more than just a platform for penguins. The sea ice's high reflectivity influences the whole Earth's climate, and the ice is a key habitat for underwater as well as above-water ecosystems.

The ocean around Antarctica is rapidly getting saltier at the same time as sea ice is retreating at a record pace.