Exploring Earth's Changing Polar Ice with Cryosat

Cryosat is a satellite designed to monitor Earth's polar ice sheets and sea ice, crucial for understanding climate dynamics. Initially launched in 2005, the original Cryosat failed, leading to the development of Cryosat 2, which launched successfully in 2010. Equipped with advanced radar technology, Cryosat 2 provides precise measurements of ice thickness and contours, offering valuable data on the rapid reduction of Arctic sea ice. This information aids climate scientists in understanding ice dynamics and climate change. Cryosat 2 transmits data to a ground station and is expected to operate for about 3.5 years.

What is the primary function of the Cryosat satellite?

• To observe wildlife in polar regions

• To measure atmospheric temperature

• To study ocean currents

• To monitor Earth's polar ice sheets and sea ice

What happened to the original Cryosat satellite after its launch in 2005?

• It successfully entered orbit

• It was destroyed in a collision

• It crashed into the ocean

• It malfunctioned and was decommissioned

How did Cryosat 2 improve upon previous Earth observing satellites?

• By measuring ice thickness and contours with greater accuracy

• By using solar power

• By being smaller and more compact

• By having a longer operational life

What significant change in Arctic sea ice was recorded in September 2007?

• A record high in ice thickness

• A slight increase in ice coverage

• A record low in ice extent

• No significant change

How long is Cryosat 2 expected to remain operational?

• 2 years

• 5 years

• 1 year

• 3 1/2 years