Extent drops relatively slowly (compared with record years), only -86k below 2015.
Update 20160828.
Extent: -46.0 (-86k vs 2015, -921k vs 2014, -922k vs 2013, +750k vs 2012)
Area: -165.1 (-461k vs 2015, -1113k vs 2014, -1069k vs 2013, +429k vs 2012)
You will find the updated graphs in the
top postRegional extent dropped in the CAB (-27k) and CAA (-22k).
Regional area was dominated by the losses in the CAB (-145k), second (way behind) was CAA (-17k).
Some recovery (un-poofing) of ice in the Beaufort side of the Wrangel arm is the main reason that extent did not drop faster. It is not unreasonable to expect this ice to disappear again later.
In the mean time on the other side concentration is dropping and polynyas (re)appearing, see attached delta map.