NASA | Sea Ice 2008

The video discusses the alarming decline of Arctic sea ice over the past three decades, highlighting the record-breaking melt in 2007. It explains how increased open water leads to more solar energy absorption, further warming the Arctic Ocean. The potential loss of perennial ice could result in a blue ocean, causing significant environmental and ecological impacts. The video also contrasts the Arctic situation with the Antarctic, where sea ice has not declined due to different climatic factors. NASA's research using satellites aims to understand these complex phenomena.

What has been the trend in Arctic sea ice over the past three decades?

• It has been fluctuating randomly.

• It has been expanding.

• It has remained stable.

• It has been steadily decreasing.

What was significant about the Arctic sea ice melt in 2007?

• It was the smallest melt on record.

• It was the first time the ice melted completely.

• It showed no change from previous years.

• It shattered the previous record by almost 25%.

What is a potential consequence of losing perennial ice in the Arctic?

• The Arctic will have a blue ocean.

• The Arctic will freeze completely.

• The Arctic will become a desert.

• The Arctic will become a rainforest.

How does the Antarctic sea ice trend differ from the Arctic?

• Antarctic sea ice is also declining rapidly.

• Antarctic sea ice minima have not been declining.

• Antarctic sea ice has remained stable.

• Antarctic sea ice has been increasing.

What is NASA using to study sea ice at both poles?

• A suite of satellites

• Ground-based sensors

• Underwater drones

• Weather balloons