Surprisingly large hole found in Arctic’s most stable ice

A hole was discovered in the Arctic's oldest ice, previously thought stable. A May 2020 storm near Ellesmere Island caused a crack, forming a polinia. This open water area, usually ice-covered, was 30 km wide and 100 km long. The study highlights the ice's vulnerability, affecting species like walruses and seabirds. The polinia closed by May 26, 2020, but future occurrences may increase.

What was the initial belief about the Arctic's oldest and thickest ice?

• It was the most stable ice.

• It was the warmest ice.

• It was the most vulnerable ice.

• It was the thinnest ice.

What natural event in May 2020 contributed to the formation of a polinia?

• A powerful storm

• A volcanic eruption

• A heatwave

• An earthquake

How wide was the polinia formed in the Arctic in May 2020?

• 10 kilometers

• 40 kilometers

• 20 kilometers

• 30 kilometers

What is the predicted fate of Arctic ice during summer melting seasons?

• It will be the last to remain.

• It will completely melt away.

• It will double in thickness.

• It will remain stable.

What impact do polinias have on species like walruses and seabirds?

• They provide more food.

• They increase habitat space.

• They cause loss of ice access.

• They improve survival rates.