<p>The sea ice extent in Antarctica has shrunk to its second lowest on record, according to the Australian Antarctic Division.</p><p>“The ice cover plays a crucially important role both in the global climate system and as a key habitat for a wide range of biota from micro-organisms to great whales,” the division’s Dr. Rob Massom said. It was unclear why the extent of ice diminished.</p><p>After reaching its lowest point on February 18, the sea ice had reformed and expanded again. Antarctica had the least amount of sea ice on record in March 2017</a>. Credit: Australian Antarctic Division via Storyful</p><br />
