Understanding Antarctic Ice Melt and the Longitude Prize

The video discusses the irreversible melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, particularly in the Amundsen Sea sector, which could significantly raise global sea levels. It explains the concept of grounding lines and the positive feedback loop accelerating the melt. The video also introduces the Longitude Prize, a UK-based initiative offering a reward for solving major scientific challenges, such as green air travel, food innovation, antibiotic resistance, paralysis, desalination, and dementia. Viewers in the UK are encouraged to vote on which challenge should be prioritized.

What is the main concern regarding the West Antarctic Ice Sheet as mentioned in the video?

• It is causing earthquakes.

• It is becoming thicker.

• It is melting irreversibly.

• It is expanding rapidly.

What is the Amundsen Sea sector known for?

• Being a popular tourist destination.

• Being the warmest part of Antarctica.

• Containing glaciers that are melting faster than expected.

• Having the highest mountain in Antarctica.

What is a grounding line in the context of glaciers?

• The line where a glacier is at its thickest.

• The line where a glacier stops moving.

• The line where a glacier starts to float on water.

• The line where a glacier meets the sky.

Why is the melting of glaciers in the Amundsen Sea sector considered unstoppable?

• Because the glaciers are too small.

• Because the glaciers are protected by international law.

• Because the glaciers are made of saltwater.

• Because the grounding lines have moved inland.

What is the Longitude Prize aiming to achieve?

• To create a new type of currency.

• To build the largest ship in the world.

• To solve one of the biggest scientific problems of our time.

• To find a new continent.

What historical problem was the original Longitude Prize meant to solve?

• How to communicate with other ships.

• How to navigate using the stars.

• How to build faster ships.

• How to determine a ship's longitude at sea.

Which of the following is a candidate challenge for the Longitude Prize?

• Developing a new type of smartphone.

• Creating green air travel solutions.

• Inventing a new musical instrument.

• Building a space station on Mars.

What is the goal of the challenge related to antibiotics in the Longitude Prize?

• To create a new type of antibiotic.

• To develop a quick test for infections.

• To eliminate all bacteria.

• To make antibiotics taste better.

What is the focus of the challenge related to paralysis in the Longitude Prize?

• To create a new type of wheelchair.

• To restore movement in people with paralysis.

• To find a cure for all diseases.

• To improve hospital facilities.

What is the aim of the dementia-related challenge in the Longitude Prize?

• To find a cure for all mental illnesses.

• To allow patients to live independently for longer.

• To build more nursing homes.

• To create a new type of memory game.