All summer we've been hearing about how the Polar ice caps are melting. But now-- there is finally proof of how much shrinking has occurred.

Take a look at this animation produced by CBS 11 News. As you can see, as the summer progresses, the ice cap shrinks and then finally reaches a point never before seen.

The ice actually melts far enough to open part of the Northwest Passage.

Scientists from around the world say it's like a spiral effect: as more ice melts, the ice around it becomes weaker and then melts at an even faster rate than before.

It's something scientists say is very alarming.