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What Is the Antarctic Polar Vortex? — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS2-5

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This NGSS-aligned science reading passage introduces middle school students to the Antarctic polar vortex—a swirling mass of cold air high above Antarctica in the stratosphere. The passage explains how this vortex strengthens during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, isolating cold air and contributing to the formation of the ozone hole in spring. Students learn how wind patterns trap cold air and how a weakened vortex can affect weather in regions like Australia and South America. The passage also highlights how scientists use tools like satellites and weather balloons to study this system. It supports comprehension of NGSS standards for weather and climate.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Antarctic polar vortex is a large area of spinning cold air that forms over Antarctica, the continent at Earth’s South Pole. Like its northern cousin over the Arctic, this polar vortex forms high in the stratosphere, a layer of Earth’s atmosphere. It is strongest during the southern winter, when temperatures over Antarctica become extremely cold and winds around the vortex speed up.

The Antarctic polar vortex is made of strong, circular winds that trap cold air over the continent. These winds help isolate Antarctica’s cold air from the warmer air of other parts of the world. Because of this, Antarctica stays colder than the Arctic in winter.

One important effect of the Antarctic polar vortex is its role in creating the ozone hole. In the spring, chemicals in the atmosphere react in the cold, trapped air, breaking down the ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Sometimes, when the vortex weakens or shifts, it can affect weather in parts of the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia or South America. Scientists use satellites and weather balloons to study the Antarctic polar vortex and learn how it affects global climate.

Fun Fact: The winds in the Antarctic polar vortex can blow at speeds over 100 miles per hour!

What is the Antarctic polar vortex?

A giant storm over the oceanSpinning cold air over the South PoleA frozen lake in AntarcticaA ring of volcanoes near the equator

When is the Antarctic polar vortex the strongest?

Summer in AntarcticaSpring in the Northern HemisphereSouthern winterFall in Australia

Where does the Antarctic polar vortex form?

In the oceanIn the stratosphere above AntarcticaIn the ArcticInside mountain ranges

What kind of wind pattern is found in the Antarctic polar vortex?

Gentle breezesRandom gustsFast circular windsEarthquakes

Why does Antarctica stay colder than the Arctic during winter?

It gets less sunlightIt is closer to the MoonIts vortex traps cold air more effectivelyIt has more penguins

What environmental issue is the Antarctic polar vortex linked to?

FloodingEarthquakesThe ozone holeDeforestation

What is the main idea of the passage?

Antarctica is warmer than we thoughtThe Antarctic vortex only affects penguinsThe Antarctic polar vortex is a powerful cold wind system that affects climate and ozoneAustralia controls the polar vortex

What can happen when the Antarctic vortex weakens?

It makes Antarctica meltIt affects weather in the Southern HemisphereIt causes earthquakes in AsiaIt stops ocean currents