Gallery: Science Graphic of the Week: Arctic Sea Ice Takes a Hit From Warm Rivers
01openwaterST2
Sea surface temperatures on July 5, 2012, in the Beaufort Sea, measured by the MODIS instrument on NASA's Terra satellite. Note the blooming red indicating the extent of warm water infiltration. (NASA)
02openwaterST
Sea surface temperatures in the Beaufort Sea on June 14, 2012, before the Mackenzie River emptied warm water into the area. (NASA)
03IDL TIFF file
The Beaufort Sea on June 5, 2012, before the Mackenzie River flooded the area with warm riverwater. ([EarthObservatory/NASA](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=83271&eocn=home&eoci=iotd_title))
04IDL TIFF file
The Beaufort Sea on July 5, 2012, after the Mackenzie River broke through an icy barrier and unleashed a torrent of warm water. Note the melted sea ice. ([EarthObservatory/NASA](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=83271&eocn=home&eoci=iotd_title))
05IDL TIFF file
Map, with temperature data, of the Mackenzie River delta on June 14, 2012. ([EarthObservatory/NASA](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=83271&eocn=home&eoci=iotd_title))
06IDL TIFF file
Map, with temperature data, of the Mackenzie River delta on July 5, 2012. Note the blooming white shades, indicating the spread of warm riverwater. ([EarthObservatory/NASA](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=83271&eocn=home&eoci=iotd_title))
