The figure above shows the forecast of sea ice extent in the Arctic sea on 10th September 2012, based on the results of analysis of Yamaguchi Laboratory at the University of Tokyo. White areas show sea ice concentration in each sector, the line represents the ice edge. Through the Northeast Passage, ice the Kara Sea and Laptev Sea are expected to melt earlier than usual, opening the passage around July. Melting in the Chukchi Sea tends to be later than last year, but is still expected to open by September. On the other hand, sea ice melting in the Northwest Passage is forecast for later in the season, compared to last year. For more detailed information, please refer to the web site of the Yamaguchi Laboratory at the University of Tokyo.