Warm Winter Cyclone Damaged Arctic Sea Ice Pack

The video discusses the growth of Arctic sea ice and its seasonal changes, highlighting the impact of a North Atlantic cyclone in December 2015. This cyclone brought unseasonal heat and moisture, disrupting sea ice growth and causing significant temperature increases. NASA scientists used satellite data to study these effects, noting a 10% decrease in sea ice concentration and a northward shift of the ice edge. The cyclone's impact may have contributed to a record low Arctic sea ice maximum. As the winter season approaches, scientists are concerned about the potential for similar events to further affect the vulnerable sea ice.

What is the primary effect of cyclones on Arctic sea ice during winter?

• They increase the sea ice extent.

• They bring unseasonal heat and moisture, disrupting sea ice growth.

• They have no effect on the sea ice.

• They cause the sea ice to become thicker.

How did the December 2015 cyclone affect the sea ice in the Barents and Kara Seas?

• It increased the sea ice concentration by 10%.

• It caused the sea ice edge to move southward.

• It had no impact on the sea ice.

• It decreased the sea ice concentration by 10% and moved the ice edge northward.

What tool did scientists use to study the cyclone's impact on sea ice?

• A ship-based sonar system

• The atmospheric infrared sounder on NASA's Aqua satellite

• A weather balloon

• A ground-based radar system

What was the size of the sea ice area loss during the cyclone compared to?

• The size of California

• The size of Alaska

• The size of Florida

• The size of Texas

What concern do NASA scientists have about future cyclones?

• They will have no effect on sea ice.

• They will only affect the Antarctic region.

• They might lead to increased sea ice growth.

• They could have similar or worsened effects on vulnerable sea ice.