Arctic sea ice drops to second lowest level

Arctic Ocean sea ice has melted to the second lowest level since satellite observations began, US scientists warned today.

Sea ice melt recorded on Monday exceeded the low in 2005, the second lowest level ever recorded, the US National Snow and Ice Data Centre said.

Scientists at the centre said with several weeks left in the melt season, ice this summer has a chance to diminish below the record low set last year.

Environmental groups said the ice melt was another alarm bell warning of global warming.

The centre reported the ice melted below the 2005 minimum of 2.05 million square miles set on September 21 that year.

Exact figures will be released later today.