Russia discovers five new islands in the Arctic

The transcript discusses the discovery of five new islands in the Arctic, revealed due to accelerated glacial melting. These islands were previously hidden under the Nansen Glacier in the Novoyas and Laya Archipelago. An Arctic expedition in August and September charted these islands, and the Defense Ministry confirmed the existence of an island previously mapped as a peninsula of Hall Island, part of the Franz Joseph Land Archipelago. The transcript also highlights Russia's growing commercial and military interest in the Arctic, driven by retreating ice that has opened new shipping routes and access to mineral resources.

What natural phenomenon led to the discovery of new islands in the Arctic?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Accelerated glacial melting

• Earthquakes

• Tsunamis

Where were the newly discovered islands located?

• Baffin Island

• Svalbard

• Novaya Zemlya Archipelago

• Greenland

What was previously mapped as a peninsula but confirmed as an island?

• Hall Island

• Laya Island

• Nansen Island

• Franz Joseph Island

What has the retreating ice in the Arctic opened up?

• New wildlife habitats

• Fishing zones

• Shipping routes and mineral resources

• Tourist attractions

Why has Russia shown increased interest in the Arctic?

• To promote tourism

• To establish new wildlife reserves

• For commercial and military purposes

• To conduct scientific research