Monitoring sea ice by earth observation satellites to contribute to global warming countermeasures and vessel safety

Accelerated sea level rise and global warming

As global warming progresses, sea ice and glaciers melt and flow into seawater, which is thought to cause various problems such as rising sea levels, destruction of ecosystems, and accelerated warming of the entire planet. There are also concerns that warming in the Arctic will result in the release of methane gas, one of greenhouse gases, from the seafloor.
On the other hand, melting ice allows ships to pass through routes that were previously impassable. There is also a trend to reduce fuel consumption by arriving at destinations earlier, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.

Observing sea ice conditions by earth observation satellites!

JAXA has released data on sea ice observed by Global Change Observation Mission - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W) and Global Change Observation Mission - Climate "SHIKISAI" (GCOM-C) and others. Arctic sea ice extent is used as an important indicator showing the effect of global warming.
JAXA is also engaged in activities to observe sea ice in the entire Arctic Ocean by wide-area satellite observations. Satellites also capture the drift ice that arrives off the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk every winter.
In the Arctic Ocean, the sea ice cover has shrunk in recent years. This trend is raising the attraction of the Arctic as a shipping channel. The data is also useful to protect the safety of the ships.

• 
  JAXA contributes to the understanding and countermeasures of climate change by observing sea ice, which has a significant impact on global warming.
• 
  JAXA contributes to polar navigation support by providing information on sea ice.