NASA is hosting a media teleconference where scientists will discuss recent changes in Arctic sea ice and links to climate changes. The teleconference is Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. EDT.

Researchers have long suggested that the icy surface of the Arctic's waters is retreating due to a warming climate. Sea ice is also important to the well being of Arctic mammals such as polar bears. Sea ice is an indicator of changing water, air and sea surface temperatures.

With the annual minimum perennial sea ice period less than one month away, researchers from NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center, Boulder, Colo., will present the latest on the state of summer Arctic sea ice and the factors affecting it.

Briefing participants:

- Mark Serreze, senior research scientist, National Snow and Ice Data Center

- Josefino Comiso and Claire Parkinson, senior research scientists, Cryospheric Sciences Branch, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Media must call Lynn Chandler at 301-286-2806 for teleconference access information by 4 p.m. EDT Tuesday, Sept. 12. Audio of the event will be streamed live at:

http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio

Images and supporting data will be available during the teleconference at:

http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/environment/seaice_telecon.html