This graph shows the area of anamoulsy low sea ice concentration (the embayment and polynya) as a function of time for July 1999. Early in the month, the embayment had an extent in excess of 300,000 square kilometers. The rapid reduction in area in mid month represents the transition from an embayment to a polynya. From July 12 onwards, the area of open water associated with the polynya has remained relatively constant at approximately 130,000 square kilometers.