Antarctic Science and Ice Core Studies

Nearly Abram, an ice core scientist with the British Antarctic Survey, explains the significance of ice cores in understanding Earth's past climate and predicting future changes. She describes the multifaceted roles scientists undertake during Antarctic fieldwork, including building camps and drilling ice cores. The drilling process involves extracting ice to study ancient atmospheres, revealing climate change evidence. The video highlights rapid climate changes in Antarctica, with glaciers flowing faster and ice shelves collapsing, emphasizing the link between past temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations.

What is the main reason for studying ice cores?

• To map the geography of Antarctica

• To discover new minerals

• To find new species of bacteria

• To understand past climate conditions

What organization does the ice core scientist work with?

• Greenpeace

• British Antarctic Survey

• National Geographic

• NASA

What is one of the roles scientists take on when they are in the field in Antarctica?

• Lawyer

• Pilot

• Carpenter

• Doctor

What is one of the tasks scientists must do when they arrive at a field site in Antarctica?

• Build their camp

• Plant trees

• Hunt for food

• Navigate the icebergs

How long was the ice core that was mentioned in the video?

• 500 meters

• 364 meters

• 1000 meters

• 200 meters

By how much has the temperature in a part of Antarctica increased in the last fifty years?

• 4 degrees

• 3 degrees

• 1 degree

• 2 degrees

What happens to glaciers in Antarctica as the temperature increases?

• They expand

• They freeze more

• They flow faster

• They remain the same

What can be found inside the ice that helps scientists study ancient atmospheres?

• Bubbles of ancient atmosphere

• Fossils

• Minerals

• Water samples

What is the purpose of measuring greenhouse gases in ice cores?

• To find new energy sources

• To understand the link between past temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations

• To study ocean currents

• To predict volcanic eruptions

What is the significance of the bubbles found in ice cores?

• They indicate the presence of life

• They are used for dating the ice

• They hold ancient air samples

• They contain ancient water