Climate Change Impact on Glaciers

The video discusses the significant shrinkage of glaciers since the 1800s, with only 25 remaining from an estimated 150. It explains methods like repeat photography and GPS for measuring glacier changes. Glacier National Park serves as a natural lab to study climate change, which is causing increased temperatures, reduced snowpack, and species extinction. The video highlights the downstream effects of glacier changes on ecosystems, such as the huckleberry crop vital for grizzly bears. Despite future changes, glaciers remain valuable for research and as a lesson on climate change's impact on natural landscapes.

How many glaciers were estimated to exist in the 1800s compared to today?

• 200 glaciers in the 1800s and 50 today

• 150 glaciers in the 1800s and 25 today

• 50 glaciers in the 1800s and 10 today

• 100 glaciers in the 1800s and 30 today

What method is used to visually track changes in glaciers over time?

• Satellite imagery

• Thermal imaging

• Repeat photography

• Drone footage

Which modern technology is used to measure changes in glacier areas?

• Precision GPS

• Sonar mapping

• Infrared sensors

• Drones

What makes Glacier National Park a significant site for climate change studies?

• Its large number of glaciers

• Its rapid warming rate

• Its high altitude

• Its diverse wildlife

What is one consequence of increased air temperatures in Glacier National Park?

• Longer winters

• Decreased snowpack

• More frequent rain

• Increased snowfall

Which species might be the first to go extinct due to climate change?

• Huckleberries

• Mountain goats

• Aquatic insects

• Grizzly bears

What has been observed in the distribution of some species since the 1960s?

• Expansion

• Contraction

• Stability

• Random changes

How do glaciers affect downstream ecosystems?

• By causing landslides

• By affecting snowpack and crops

• By increasing rainfall

• By reducing river flow

What is a vital food source for grizzly bears that is affected by snowpack changes?

• Berries

• Pine nuts

• Huckleberries

• Salmon

Why are animals in upper elevations particularly vulnerable to climate change?

• They have abundant food sources

• They are adapted to colder temperatures

• They migrate frequently

• They have no predators