Which of the following is correct regarding Arctic sea ice? Until recently, seasonal variations in sea ice extent were rare. In the summer, most to all sea ice melts, only to refreeze in the winter. However, less water has been refreezing over the past decade. Summer sea ice reached its minimum extent in 2001 and has gradually increased since then. Because of high latitudes, sea ice remains throughout the year. However, for the past 30 years, the extent of sea ice has diminished. Since 1979, summer sea ice minimum extent and winter sea ice maximum extent have declined