Surprisingly large hole found in Arctic’s most stable ice

A hole was discovered in the Arctic's oldest ice, previously thought stable. A storm in May 2020 led to a crack forming, which became 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 sea birds. 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 thinnest.

• It was the most stable.

• It was the most vulnerable.

• It was the warmest.

What natural event in May 2020 contributed to the formation of a crack in the Arctic ice?

• A volcanic eruption

• An earthquake

• A heatwave

• A powerful storm

What is a polinia?

• A species of fish

• A type of ice

• An area of open water in ice-covered regions

• A type of storm

What impact does the melting and movement of ice have on species like walruses and seabirds?

• It causes them to lose access to ice.

• It increases their habitat.

• It provides more food.

• It makes them migrate north.

What did the study's lead author warn about the future of polinias?

• They will disappear completely.

• They may become more common or larger.

• They will become less frequent.

• They will not affect the ecosystem.