The phrase "year ice" refers to ice that has been frozen and undisturbed for at least one full year. It is used to describe ice that is thick and stable because it has survived multiple seasons without melting. Full definition
Given that only 30 % of first year ice survives the summer, the chances that there will be significant open water at the pole itself is high. (realclimate.org)
Just like 2006, more perennial ice melted and some of the 1/2 year ice remained from 2007. (dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com)
This year, we attempted to account for a lower rate of first - year ice loss near the pole, but our outlook was still significantly lower than the actual minimum. (searcharcticscience.org)