Arctic sea ice looks set to hit a record low by the end of the month, according to satellite data.
Scientists at the US National Snow and Ice Data Center said data showed that the sea ice extent was tracking below the previous record low, set in 2007.
Latest figures show that on 13 August ice extent was 483,000 sq km (186,000 sq miles) below the previous record low for the same date five years ago.
The ice is expected to continue melting until mid- to late September.
"A new daily record... would be likely by the end of August," the centre's lead scientist, Ted Scambos, told Reuters.
"Chances are it will cross the previous record while we are still in ice retreat."
BBC News - Arctic sea ice set to hit record low
Scientists at the US National Snow and Ice Data Center said data showed that the sea ice extent was tracking below the previous record low, set in 2007.
Latest figures show that on 13 August ice extent was 483,000 sq km (186,000 sq miles) below the previous record low for the same date five years ago.
The ice is expected to continue melting until mid- to late September.
"A new daily record... would be likely by the end of August," the centre's lead scientist, Ted Scambos, told Reuters.
"Chances are it will cross the previous record while we are still in ice retreat."
BBC News - Arctic sea ice set to hit record low