The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) says sea ice in the Arctic ocean is retreating at a record pace. It's currently at it's lowest extent for early July. Previous, July 2007 was the lowest extent before this year. Back in 2007 by the end of the melting season, the melting of the Arctic sea ice was the most in recorded history. That year lost more ice in one year than in the past 28 years combined according to the NSIDC.

The reason for such an extreme loss of sea ice the past few years but, especially, this year and in 2007 is due to a weather pattern called the Arctic Dipole. The Arctic Dipole is when high pressure settles over the Arctic making for clear, sunny skies which helps melt the ice. The situation is further compounded by a low pressure in Siberia that works with the high pressure over the Arctic to drive warm, southerly winds into the Arctic to help melt ice and push ice away from the coast of Siberia. Normally winds flow around the Arctic in a circular pattern around the north pole.

The Arctic Dipole emerged in the late 1990. Scientists say it was an unknown phenomenon up until the point in that part of the world.

The Arctic Dipole has contributed significantly to Arctic sea ice loss in the past 10 years. It was part of many factors that came together to make for the largest sea ice retreat in a spring and summer back in 2007.

The Arctic Dipole looks to continue through July, but the high pressure is forecasted to weaken, which would help limit ice depletion. The NSIDC says it is too soon to tell whether the ice loss this year will be as bad and rival 2007.