NASA | The Bedrock Beneath

The Antarctic ice sheet contains over half of the world's freshwater and is constantly moving towards the sea. Scientists measure its thickness and map the bedrock to understand its flow and potential impact on sea level rise. The British Antarctic Survey released Bed Map 2, incorporating millions of new measurements from various sources, including NASA's Icesat and Operation Icebridge. This data provides a clearer picture of the ice sheet's terrain, aiding in climate science and understanding Antarctica's influence on global climate.

What is the significance of measuring the thickness of the Antarctic ice sheet?

• To map the wildlife habitats

• To understand its contribution to sea level rise

• To determine the age of the ice

• To find new sources of freshwater

What is Bed Map 2?

• A climate model predicting future ice melt

• An updated map of the bedrock beneath the Antarctic ice

• A map of the Antarctic ice sheet's surface

• A new satellite launched by NASA

Which NASA mission contributed to the data for Bed Map 2?

• Voyager

• Operation Icebridge

• Mars Rover

• Hubble Space Telescope

How does Bed Map 2 improve scientific understanding?

• By mapping the distribution of penguin populations

• By providing a more accurate picture of the terrain beneath the ice sheet

• By identifying new mineral resources

• By predicting weather patterns

What is one of the main goals of studying the Antarctic ice sheet?

• To develop new ice-breaking ships

• To enhance understanding of its influence on global climate

• To find ancient fossils

• To increase tourism in Antarctica