Are sea ice extents above normal levels as some declare?

Question

January 1998: 14.8 million sq km

January 1999: 14.5 million sq km

January 2000: 14.4 million sq km

January 2001: 14.3 million sq km

January 2002: 14.4 million sq km

January 2003: 14.5 million sq km

January 2004: 14 million sq km

January 2005: 13.7 million sq km

January 2006: 13.6 million sq km

January 2007: 13.8 million sq km

January 2008: 14 million sq km (just like Jan 2004, but less than at least Jan 1989 through Jan 2003)

Answer 1

I think the argument is that the Arctic sea ice has 'rebounded' from the record melts of last summer.  Which really doesn't tell you anything, because it's the middle of winter, but that's the argument.

Answer 2

Anyone care for an ice square in your drinks?  Oh wait...they're ice CUBES.

Answer 3

Take a look at the concentration of sea ice in September in the northern hemisphere (same link you posted). It should a very steady (and scarey) decline year to year.

Answer 4

Dana's right.  The uninformed seem to be comparing September (when minimal ice is expected) with January (when near-peak ice is expected).

Answer 5

Yes and my blackberry bushes produce more in certain years then others.