Greenland Ice Cores

The video explores the significance of ice cores in understanding past climates and predicting future climate changes. Geoscientist Jim White discusses how ice cores, particularly from Greenland and Antarctica, provide detailed records of atmospheric conditions from thousands of years ago. These records reveal rapid climate changes and help improve climate models. The video also highlights the rigorous process of ice core analysis and the potential impact of melting ice sheets on global sea levels.

What do the small bubbles in ice cores represent?

• Atmospheric gases from the time the ice was formed

• Trapped water from ancient oceans

• Frozen microorganisms

• Mineral deposits from volcanic eruptions

What significant climate event was revealed by the analysis of Greenland ice cores?

• A 10-degree Celsius temperature decrease

• A 10-degree Celsius temperature increase

• A 22-degree Fahrenheit temperature spike

• A 22-degree Fahrenheit temperature drop

Which of the following is NOT considered a potential trigger for rapid climate changes?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Ocean circulation

• Atmospheric circulation

• Fluctuations in sea ice levels

What is the significance of measuring heavy hydrogen in ice cores?

• It reveals the temperature of the cloud that formed the snow

• It indicates the age of the ice

• It shows the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere

• It determines the origin of methane

What could be the global impact if the entire Greenland ice sheet were to melt?

• A reduction in ocean salinity

• A decrease in global temperatures

• An increase in polar bear populations

• A rise in sea levels by approximately 20 feet