What is happening at Thwaites Glacier?
Videos
Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APEarth and Space Sciences, Geography
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Provided by British Antarctic Survey
What it is
- This video discusses recent changes to the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, the influence of Antarctic ice on the global sea level, and what will happen to coastal communities worldwide if the sea level continues to rise.
- Students will learn that the Thwaites Glacier is collapsing at an alarming rate, most of the world's ice comes from Antarctica, the global sea level rises as Antarctic ice melts, and flooding will become a bigger problem for coastal communities if sea level rise continues.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This video is well-produced and filled with animations that illustrate the concepts for students.
- This video does an excellent job of showcasing the Thwaites Glacier's size.
Additional Prerequisites
- It may be helpful if students know where greenhouse gas emissions come from and how they contribute to global warming and glacial melt.
- An advertisement may play before the video starts.
- Students should know the terms glacier and bedrock.
Differentiation
- After watching this video, students can consider ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- To assess prior knowledge, the teacher can ask the class questions about the Antarctic ice sheet before watching the video.
- Students can predict and discuss coastal migration patterns that may occur if sea level rise continues and the socioeconomic impacts of this displacement.
- This video can enhance a classroom discussion about the socioeconomic impacts of coastal flooding.
From the scientist review
About 40% of the world's population lives within 100km of the coasts, putting billions of people at risk for displacement due to rising sea levels. The Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is collapsing, and the video explains why.
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