Read the following passage and answer the question: A SPACEX rocket was launched from California carrying a US-French satellite designed to conduct the first global survey of the Earth's Surface waters, shedding new light on the mechanics and consequences of climate chantge. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite, or SWOT, incorporates advanced microwave radar technology to collect high definition measurements of ocean, lakes, reservoirs and rivers over 90% of the globe. The data compiled from radar sweeps of the planet at least twice every 21 days, will be used to enhance ocean-circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts and aid in managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions. Components of the SUV sized sattellite were built primarily by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory near Los Angeles and the French space agency CNES. Nearly 20 years in development by the US space agency with contributions from its counterparts in Canada and Britain, SWOT was one of 15 missions listed by the National Research Council as projects NASA should undertake in the coming decade. One major thrust of the mission is to explore how oceans absorb atmospheric heat and carbon dioxide in a process that naturally regulates global temperatures and has helped to minimize climate change.
Given below are two statements: Statement I: SWOT satellite will monitor the surface waters over the entire earth. Statement II: SWOT satellite is expected to improve our understanding of climate change. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Analyzing SWOT Satellite Statements on Surface Water Monitoring and Climate Change
The question asks us to evaluate two statements about the SWOT satellite based on the provided passage. We need to carefully read the passage and determine the truthfulness of each statement according to the information given.
Analyzing Statement I: SWOT satellite will monitor the surface waters over the entire earth.
Statement I claims that the SWOT satellite will monitor surface waters over the entire earth. Let's look at what the passage says about the coverage of the SWOT satellite:
- The passage states that the SWOT satellite is designed to "conduct the first global survey of the Earth's Surface waters". This suggests a very wide scope.
- However, the passage provides a more specific detail about its coverage: "collect high definition measurements of ocean, lakes, reservoirs and rivers over 90% of the globe."
Since the passage explicitly states the coverage is "over 90% of the globe" and not the "entire earth", Statement I is not supported by the text. Monitoring over 90% is significant and global in scope, but it is not the same as monitoring 100% or the "entire earth".
Therefore, based on the passage, Statement I is false.
Analyzing Statement II: SWOT satellite is expected to improve our understanding of climate change.
Statement II suggests that the SWOT satellite is expected to improve our understanding of climate change. Let's see what the passage says about the satellite's purpose and expected outcomes:
- The passage introduces the satellite as "designed to conduct the first global survey of the Earth's Surface waters, shedding new light on the mechanics and consequences of climate change." The phrase "shedding new light on the mechanics and consequences of climate change" directly links the satellite's mission to improving the understanding of climate change.
- Further, the passage mentions that the data collected will "bolster weather and climate forecasts". Improved climate forecasts are a result of a better understanding of climate systems.
- The passage also highlights a "major thrust of the mission is to explore how oceans absorb atmospheric heat and carbon dioxide in a process that naturally regulates global temperatures and has helped to minimize climate change." Understanding how oceans regulate temperature and carbon dioxide is crucial for understanding and modeling climate change.
All these points from the passage strongly support the idea that the SWOT satellite mission is expected to improve our understanding of climate change.
Therefore, based on the passage, Statement II is true.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of both statements against the information provided in the passage:
- Statement I: SWOT satellite will monitor the surface waters over the entire earth. (False)
- Statement II: SWOT satellite is expected to improve our understanding of climate change. (True)
We are looking for the option that states Statement I is false and Statement II is true.
| Statement | Truthfulness (based on passage) | Reasoning from Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Statement I: SWOT satellite will monitor the surface waters over the entire earth. | False | Passage states coverage is "over 90% of the globe". |
| Statement II: SWOT satellite is expected to improve our understanding of climate change. | True | Passage states it will "shed new light on the mechanics and consequences of climate change" and "explore how oceans absorb atmospheric heat and carbon dioxide" which regulates global temperatures. |
Comparing this finding with the given options, the correct answer is the one that aligns with Statement I being false and Statement II being true.
Revision Table: SWOT Satellite Mission Facts
| Aspect | Detail from Passage |
|---|---|
| Satellite Name | Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) |
| Launch Location | California |
| Purpose | First global survey of Earth's Surface waters |
| Technology | Advanced microwave radar |
| Coverage Area | Over 90% of the globe |
| Measurement Frequency | At least twice every 21 days |
| Expected Outcomes | Enhance ocean-circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts, aid in managing freshwater supplies, explore ocean's role in regulating global temperatures and minimizing climate change. |
| Developed by | NASA (primarily Jet Propulsion Laboratory), CNES (French space agency), contributions from Canada and Britain. |
Additional Information: SWOT and Earth Science
The SWOT satellite mission is a significant step in Earth observation. By precisely measuring the height of surface water across continents and oceans, it provides data vital for understanding the global water cycle and its connection to climate change. Key areas of impact include:
- Hydrology: Improving monitoring and management of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, especially important for regions facing drought or water scarcity.
- Oceanography: Measuring ocean surface topography with unprecedented detail, helping scientists understand ocean circulation, energy transfer, and interactions with the atmosphere, which are key drivers of climate and weather.
- Climate Science: Quantifying how much heat and carbon oceans absorb, providing crucial data for climate models and predictions. Understanding these processes is fundamental to predicting future climate scenarios.
- Coastal Regions: Monitoring sea level changes near the coast, important for assessing risks to coastal communities from rising sea levels driven by climate change.
The data from missions like SWOT are essential for scientists worldwide to study complex Earth systems and make informed decisions about environmental protection and resource management in the face of a changing climate.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
