Numerical modeling of sea ice in the climate system

Worldwide emissions of CO2 from human energy-related activities are currently about 30 billion metric tons per year (a metric ton is 10 kg) according to the US Department of Energy International Energy Outlook (http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo/emissions.html). One outcome of the resulting rise in anthropogenic CO2 levels has been a growing concern for the loss of ice and snow in the polar regions. The loss of ice and snow changes the way of life for humans, plants, and animals and amplifies the climate response in the Arctic. The global warming problem motivates many to understand and model the physics of sea ice. There are many other worthwhile reasons as well.