What Penguin Bones Can Tell Us About Dying Glaciers

The video discusses the rapid warming of polar regions, focusing on Antarctica's glaciers, particularly the Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers. It explores the potential for these glaciers to collapse, raising global sea levels significantly. The video examines whether these glaciers have historically rebounded after melting, using carbon dating of penguin bones and seashells to study past sea levels. Findings suggest that the glaciers have been stable for thousands of years, with no evidence of past rebounds. This highlights the urgency of addressing climate change, as current glacier melting is unprecedented.

What is the main concern regarding the Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers?

• They are located in the Arctic.

• They could cause a significant rise in sea levels if they collapse.

• They are growing rapidly.

• They are unaffected by climate change.

What is the potential impact of the West Antarctic ice sheet melting?

• It could cause a decrease in global temperatures.

• It could lower global sea levels.

• It could raise global sea levels by 3.4 meters.

• It could have no impact on sea levels.

What evidence do scientists use to study past glacier activity?

• Satellite images

• Tree rings

• Penguin bones and seashells

• Ice core samples

How does carbon dating help in understanding glacier history?

• By analyzing water samples

• By predicting future climate patterns

• By determining the age of organic materials

• By measuring the thickness of ice

What conclusion did scientists reach about the stability of the glaciers over the past 5500 years?

• The glaciers have disappeared completely.

• The glaciers have been growing thicker.

• The glaciers have been remarkably stable.

• The glaciers have been rapidly melting.

What is the significance of the stability of glaciers in their history compared to current trends?

• It indicates that glaciers are unaffected by climate change.

• It proves that glaciers will never melt.

• It highlights the difference between past stability and current rapid melting.

• It shows that glaciers have always been stable.

Why is it important to address climate change in relation to glaciers?

• To prevent further glacier melting and sea level rise

• To stop glaciers from growing

• To ensure glaciers continue to melt

• To increase the thickness of glaciers