NASA | A Tour of the Cryosphere 2009

The video explores the impact of polar regions on global climate, starting with Antarctica's ice dynamics and the formation of icebergs. It discusses the role of sea ice in ocean circulation and climate, the shrinking of global glaciers, and the significance of permafrost. The video highlights changes in Greenland's ice sheet and the importance of NASA's satellite observations in understanding cryospheric processes.

What is the primary function of ice shelves in Antarctica?

• To slow down the movement of ice streams and glaciers

• To increase the temperature of the region

• To provide habitats for polar bears

• To create new landmasses

How does sea ice contribute to global ocean circulation?

• By creating barriers for ocean currents

• By releasing salt and causing surface water to sink

• By absorbing sunlight and warming the ocean

• By increasing the salinity of the ocean

What percentage of water resources in the American West is provided by snowmelt?

• 50%

• 25%

• 75%

• 90%

What is permafrost, and where is it most commonly found?

• A seasonal ice formation in the Arctic

• Frozen ground that never thaws, common in the Northern Hemisphere

• A type of glacier found in the Andes

• A type of ice found in Antarctica

What has been the trend in Arctic sea ice over the last few decades?

• It has remained stable

• It has increased significantly

• It has shrunk dramatically

• It has become thicker

What percentage of the Earth's glacial ice is contained in Greenland's ice sheet?

• 20%

• 5%

• 10%

• 15%

What significant change occurred to Greenland's Jakobshavn ice stream between 1997 and 2003?

• It became thicker

• Its flow rate nearly doubled

• It stopped flowing

• It moved to a different location