This short video from Climate Central explains the technology used to monitor changes in Arctic sea ice. Long-term tracking (since the late 1970's) shows Arctic sea ice has been on a steady decline and this could have significant implications for global temperatures.
Video length is 2:01 min.
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Topics
Climate Literacy
This Video builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Educators may wish to use the video to introduce a discussion about Arctic sea ice. It could also act as an effective summary for such a discussion. Students can compare the data as shown (up to 2009) with current information on ice extent.
About the Science
- The points in this video are well-illustrated by satellite images and animations. Shows seasonal as well as annual fluctuations in ice coverage. Good explanation of the ice albedo effect in general terms.
- Comments from expert scientist: It raises concern about the shrinking cryosphere more specifically the northern polar region which is experiencing drastic changes. The data shown here covers time period from 1979 - 2009. The Arctic sea ice has been continuing this similar decreasing trend.