Exploration of the Northwest Passage

The video explores the history of the Northwest Passage, starting from the Age of Exploration when mariners sought a sea route to Asia. Early explorers like John Cabot and Jacques Cartier mistakenly believed they had reached Asia. Despite numerous attempts, the passage remained elusive until Robert McClure confirmed its existence in the mid-19th century. Roald Amundsen later navigated it successfully in 1906. Today, the passage is not commercially viable due to ice risks, but climate change has opened new possibilities, as seen in 2007 when it was ice-free for the first time.

What was the primary motivation for explorers during the Age of Exploration?

• To map the stars

• To discover new species

• To establish trade routes to Asia

• To find a new continent

Which explorer mistakenly believed he had reached Asia in 1497?

• Francisco del Ola

• John Cabot

• Jacques Cartier

• Christopher Columbus

Who was the first to attempt finding the Northwest Passage from the west coast of North America?

• Jacques Cartier

• Francisco del Ola

• John Franklin

• Henry Hudson

What was a significant outcome of Henry Hudson's 1610 voyage?

• Discovery of a new continent

• Successful navigation of the Northwest Passage

• Establishment of a new colony

• Mutiny and entrapment in ice

Which explorer confirmed the existence of the Northwest Passage in the 19th century?

• Robert McClure

• Roald Amundsen

• Henry Hudson

• John Franklin

In what year did Roald Amundsen successfully navigate the Northwest Passage?

• 1845

• 1906

• 1610

• 1534

What is a major reason the Northwest Passage is not commercially viable?

• Insufficient depth for large ships

• Risk posed by icebergs

• Political disputes over territory

• Lack of interest from shipping companies

How has climate change affected the Northwest Passage?

• It has had no effect

• It has made it ice-free for the first time

• It has caused it to freeze over completely

• It has made it more dangerous

In what year was the Northwest Passage found to be ice-free for the first time?

• 2007

• 1999

• 2015

• 1985

What potential does the Northwest Passage hold due to recent climate changes?

• A site for scientific research

• A new fishing zone

• A shortcut to Asia

• A new tourist destination