Exploring Earth's Changing Polar Ice with Cryosat

What is the primary function of the Cryosat satellite?

• To monitor Earth's polar ice sheets and sea ice

• To track wildlife in polar regions

• To study ocean currents

• To measure atmospheric temperatures

What happened to the original Cryosat satellite launched in 2005?

• It malfunctioned after a year

• It was destroyed during launch

• It successfully entered orbit

• It was never launched

How did Cryosat 2 improve upon its predecessor?

• It had a longer operational life

• It was equipped with a more advanced radar altimeter

• It was smaller and lighter

• It could monitor both polar and tropical regions

What significant change in Arctic sea ice was recorded in September 2007?

• A record high in sea ice levels

• A record low in sea ice levels

• No significant change

• An increase in ice thickness

How long is Cryosat 2 expected to remain operational?

• 1 year

• 3 1/2 years

• 5 years

• 2 years