Premium

Satellites Track Melting Glaciers

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

No ratings yet

Just this resource

$1.50

One-time purchase

Best value

Unlock everything

$49.99$29.99/yr

40% off until Aug 1 — 6,000+ resources

Unlock above to use these actions

Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 5678
Subjects: science
Standards: MS-ESS3-5: ASK QUESTIONS TO CLARIFY EVIDENCE OF THE FACTORS THAT HAVE CAUSED THE RISE IN GLOBAL TEMPERATURES OVER THE PAST CENTURY.
Languages: English, Spanish

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

What's included

Reading passage

Reading comprehension

Audio narration

With word word highlighting

Comprehension quiz

Auto-graded

Writing activity

Open-ended response

Glossary & flashcards

Vocabulary practice

Differentiated version

Adapted for varied levels

Spanish translation

Bilingual support

About this reader

This 400-500 word informational science passage for middle school students (grades 6-8) explains how satellites track melting glaciers and ice sheets from space. Aligned with NGSS standard MS-ESS3-5, the passage explores how orbiting satellites photograph and measure Earth's ice repeatedly over decades, revealing evidence of climate change. Students learn about remote sensing technology, glacier retreat, ice sheet thinning, and the albedo effect. The passage connects satellite observations to rising global temperatures and sea levels. Audio-integrated content includes the main passage, a simplified differentiated version for struggling readers, Spanish translations of both versions, glossary terms, multiple-choice comprehension questions, writing activities requiring scientific explanation, and graphic organizers for analyzing cause-and-effect relationships. This comprehensive resource helps students understand how scientists gather evidence about climate change and the factors causing global temperature rise over the past century.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

Satellite observes shrinking glacier carving through mountains, melting into rising seas. — Satellite data reveals important patterns in ice loss. Evidence shows that glacier retreat has accelerated over the past century.

From hundreds of miles above Earth, satellites give scientists a powerful tool to study climate change. These orbiting instruments photograph and measure the same glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice over and over. Scientists compare images taken years apart to watch ice shrinking across the planet. This steady observation provides clear evidence of global warming.

Satellites use remote sensing technology to collect data without touching the ice. Cameras capture visible light images showing glacier boundaries and surface features. Other instruments measure ice thickness using radar waves that penetrate the surface. Scientists track glaciers retreating up mountain valleys and Arctic sea ice covering less area each summer. Large ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica show thinning in satellite measurements. The power of satellites lies in consistency and coverage. The same instruments watch the whole Earth steadily over decades.

Satellite data reveals important patterns in ice loss. Evidence shows that glacier retreat has accelerated over the past century. In Alaska, glaciers have lost billions of tons of ice since satellites began monitoring in the 1970s. Satellites also measure rising sea levels as melting ice adds water to oceans. Ocean temperature sensors on satellites detect warming waters that melt ice from below. These multiple measurements help scientists understand the factors driving climate change.

The connection between ice loss and warming creates a feedback loop. As bright ice disappears, darker surfaces underneath absorb more heat. This process involves albedo, which measures how much sunlight a surface reflects. Ice has high albedo and reflects most sunlight back to space. Dark ocean water or rock has low albedo and absorbs heat. When ice melts, Earth's overall albedo decreases. The planet absorbs more solar radiation, causing additional warming and more ice melt.

Understanding ice loss matters for predicting future climate changes. Melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute to sea level rise that can affect coastal communities. Satellite observations provide the long-term data scientists need to track these changes. This evidence helps researchers ask better questions about what factors have caused rising global temperatures. Satellites give us eyes in the sky to monitor our changing planet.

Interesting Fact: Some satellites can detect ice thickness changes as small as one centimeter from space. This precision helps scientists measure even gradual melting over time.

What do satellites use to collect data about glaciers without touching them?

Remote sensing technologyPhysical ice samplesGround-based thermometersWeather balloons

According to the passage, what has happened to glaciers in Alaska since the 1970s?

They have grown largerThey have stayed the same sizeThey have lost billions of tons of iceThey have moved to different locations

What does albedo measure?

The thickness of ice sheetsHow much sunlight a surface reflectsThe speed of glacier movementThe temperature of ocean water

Why is the consistency of satellite observations important for studying climate change?

It allows scientists to compare the same locations over many yearsIt makes satellites cheaper to operateIt helps satellites fly fasterIt reduces the number of scientists needed

How does the melting of ice create a feedback loop that causes more warming?

Melting ice releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphereDark surfaces exposed by melting ice absorb more heat, causing more meltingMelting ice makes satellites work betterIce melting causes clouds to form

Based on the passage, which statement best describes how satellites help scientists study climate change?

They provide short-term weather forecastsThey collect consistent, long-term data about ice and ocean changes across the whole planetThey prevent glaciers from meltingThey measure only the temperature of the air

What can scientists detect by comparing satellite images taken years apart?

Daily weather changesIce shrinking and glacier retreatThe exact age of glaciersThe color of ocean water

Ice has a high albedo, which means it reflects most sunlight back to space.

TrueFalse

Satellites can only measure ice thickness but cannot take photographs of glaciers.

TrueFalse

According to the passage, melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute to sea level rise.

TrueFalse

Satellites Track Melting Glaciers

What's included

About this reader

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

Perfect for the way you teach

Reviews & Ratings

Connect with Workybooks!