Antarctic sea ice falls to lowest level since measurements began in 1979

Scientists say record drop can't yet be linked to global heating but urgent research needed to work out cause

• Black carbon pollution from tourism and research increasing Antarctic snowmelt, study says
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Sea ice around Antarctica has dropped to its lowest level in more than 40 years, according to preliminary data from satellites.

Climate scientists say the record drop can't yet be linked to global heating but urgent research is needed to work out why the region's sea ice had broken a record last set only five years ago.