Pole observation satellite

2003/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Klima

ICES/CIEM orbits a satellite to investigate what is going through space at the poles. This research is necessary because of the contradictions that have occurred in recent years. Some consider that pole ice is decreasing, while others are adding it.

But the ice constantly moves and melts in some places and accumulates in others. So what is the overall effect? It is very difficult to say. In addition, it is very difficult to know if the changes are a consequence of global warming. However, sea level depends on the amount of ice and has a great influence on planetary ecology.

Perhaps all this is cleared by observing it from a satellite. That's what meteorologists believe. To do this, the satellite has a laser altimeter, the first altimeter used for this work.