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Glacial Retreat Consequences — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging and audio-integrated passage, "Glacial Retreat Consequences," helps students in grade 6 understand the significant impact of melting glaciers on our planet. Aligned with NGSS standard MS-ESS3-5, it explores how the retreat of glaciers contributes to the rise in global temperatures. Key topics include sea level rise, its effects on coastal communities, and the loss of habitats for various species. Students will learn about the interconnectedness of Earth's systems and the urgent need to address climate change through easy-to-understand language and relevant scientific concepts. This passage is perfect for introducing students to the complex topic of climate change and its real-world consequences.

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Wide scene of melting glacier, flooded coasts, struggling wildlife, and warming sun. Caption: Glacial retreat effects: sea rise, habitat loss, and warming feedback loop. — Glacial retreat effects: sea rise, habitat loss, and warming feedback loop.

Imagine giant rivers of ice, slowly moving across the land. These are glaciers, enormous bodies of ice that have existed for thousands of years. But today, these icy giants are shrinking at an alarming rate. This process is called glacial retreat, and it's happening all over the world, from the towering Himalayas to the frozen poles. Understanding why glaciers are melting and what happens next is crucial for our planet's future, especially as we observe the rise in global temperatures.

One of the most significant consequences of glacial retreat is sea level rise. When a glacier melts, the ice turns into water, which then flows into oceans. This added water causes the sea levels to creep higher. Coastal cities and low-lying islands face a serious threat from this. Homes and land that were once dry could be flooded more often, or even permanently submerged, leading to displacement for many communities. This also affects vital ecosystems like coastal wetlands.

Another major impact is the loss of habitats for many animals. Polar bears, seals, and various bird species depend on glaciers and sea ice for hunting, breeding, and resting. As these icy landscapes disappear, these animals struggle to find food and safe places to live. Their survival becomes much harder, and some species could even face extinction. Glacial melt also changes freshwater supplies, affecting plants and animals that rely on meltwater streams.

Furthermore, glacial retreat affects our planet's climate. Glaciers act like giant white mirrors, reflecting sunlight back into space. When they melt, darker land or ocean surfaces are exposed, which absorb more sunlight. This absorption of heat further warms the Earth, creating a cycle where more warming leads to more melting, and so on. This feedback loop accelerates global warming, making it harder to slow down the increase in global temperatures.

The shrinking of glaciers is a clear sign that our planet is warming. It's a complex issue with far-reaching effects, touching everything from ocean levels and animal survival to our global climate system. Addressing glacial retreat requires understanding its causes and working together to reduce the factors contributing to the rise in global temperatures.

Interesting Fact: About 10% of Earth's land area is covered by glaciers, but they hold about 70% of the world's freshwater.

What are glaciers described as in the passage?

Rivers of iceLakes of waterMountains of rockForests of trees

What percentage of Earth's land is covered by glaciers?

10%20%50%70%

According to the passage, why is glacial retreat a serious threat to coastal cities?

Causes more rainLeads to sea level riseMakes air colderCreates more land

How do glaciers help regulate Earth's temperature?

Absorb sunlightProduce oxygenReflect sunlightCreate wind

What happens when darker surfaces are exposed after glaciers melt?

Absorb less heatReflect more lightAbsorb more sunlightProduce more ice

Why might animals like polar bears struggle due to glacial retreat?