[Narrator] The operation IceBridge 2010 arctic campaign is off to a flying start. Since
arriving in Greenland on March 22nd the mission scientists engineers and crew
have already taken off on several science flights over the region's
glaciers and sea ice. Flying aboard NASA's DC-8 aircraft outfitted with an
array of science instruments. Scientists are monitoring changes to the region's
ice. Even peering below the surface of some glaciers an observation not
currently possible from satellites. The first priority of this campaign is to
survey Arctic sea ice. Which reaches its maximum extent just as spring begins. The
amount of sea ice covering the Arctic at the end of each winter is an important
indication of the health of the Arctic and Earth's climate system. [Sonntag] Greenland
because of its presence and Antarctica all the ice masses together act as
access buffer climate. And so if if they were to start to melt which which many
people believe that they are. Then the eventual effect will be a warmer climate over all.
[Narrator] Over the course of this spring's five-week campaign, researchers will make a total
of 10 to 12 science flights. Continuing to monitor the most sensitive and
critical areas of this dynamic polar region.
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