Why Scientists Are So Worried About This Glacier
Provided by: Vox|Published on: April 27, 2021
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Geography
Authors: Vox
Region: Polar Regions
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This Vox video explains how the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is falling apart, directly impacting sea level rise.
- Students will learn that while the ice shelf of the Thwaites Glacier is sea ice, the glacier itself is land ice because it rests on the bedrock of the continent.
- The video explains that eliminating greenhouse gas emissions could slow the glacier's collapse.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video provides excellent illustrations for visual learners.
- A wide variety of maps will help students understand Antarctica's topography.
Prerequisites
- This video begins with an advertisement.
- Students will need to understand the difference between sea ice and land ice. This lesson from ACE will teach students about both types of ice.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Biology classes can learn more about the Thwaites Glacier ecosystem to find out how the disappearance of the ice shelf is impacting wildlife.
- Social studies and geography classes can discuss what three meters of sea level rise would mean for coastal communities around the world. Students can discuss the following questions:
- What would happen to the people who live in coastal communities if their communities were underwater?
- If places such as Miami, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and New York City disappear, what happens to the culture of those places?
- Do you think it is more important to invest money into preparing coastal communities for rising sea levels or to invest money into finding alternatives to fossil fuel use? Why?
- Other resources on this topic include this NASA video on ice loss in Antarctica between 2002-2020, this article on the future of sea level rise, and this interactive simulation about glaciers.
The collapse of the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is an ongoing, potentially catastrophic issue for sea level rise. While many scientists disagree about when it will happen, it is very clear that it is in danger of happening, and the only solution is to curb global warming. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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