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.
SWOT satellite has primarily been built by A. France B. Germany C. Russia D. US Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Analyzing the SWOT Satellite Construction Details
The question asks about the primary builders of the SWOT satellite based on the provided passage. To answer this, we need to carefully read the text and identify the section that mentions the construction of the satellite.
The passage states: "Components of the SUV sized sattellite were built primarily by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory near Los Angeles and the French space agency CNES."
Let's break down this sentence:
- NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory near Los Angeles: NASA is the space agency of the United States (US).
- The French space agency CNES: CNES is the space agency of France.
The passage explicitly uses the term "primarily built by" when referring to these two entities. It also mentions that the satellite was "Nearly 20 years in development by the US space agency with contributions from its counterparts in Canada and Britain," but the primary builders are identified as NASA and CNES.
Evaluating the Options for SWOT Satellite Builders
Now let's look at the options provided, considering that A represents France, B represents Germany, C represents Russia, and D represents the US:
- Option 1: A and B only (France and Germany)
- Option 2: B and C only (Germany and Russia)
- Option 3: A and D only (France and US)
- Option 4: C and D only (Russia and US)
Based on our analysis of the passage, the satellite was primarily built by France and the US.
Confirming the Primary Builders
The passage clearly points to France and the US as the primary contributors to building the SWOT satellite. Comparing this finding with the given options, Option 3, which states "A and D only" (France and US), directly aligns with the information presented in the text.
Conclusion on SWOT Satellite Construction
Therefore, based on the information in the passage, the SWOT satellite was primarily built by France and the US.
| Country/Agency | Role mentioned in Passage | Corresponds to Option Letter |
|---|---|---|
| US (NASA) | Primarily built components, led development | D |
| France (CNES) | Primarily built components | A |
| Canada | Provided contributions during development | Not listed as option |
| Britain | Provided contributions during development | Not listed as option |
| Germany | Not mentioned | B |
| Russia | Not mentioned | C |
The primary builders identified are France (A) and US (D). Thus, option 3, "A and D only," is the correct answer.
Revision Table: Understanding SWOT Satellite Details
| Key Aspect | SWOT Satellite Detail |
|---|---|
| Mission | First global survey of Earth's surface waters |
| Purpose | Shed light on climate change mechanics and consequences |
| Technology | Advanced microwave radar |
| Measurements | Ocean, lakes, reservoirs, rivers (over 90% of globe) |
| Data Use | Enhance ocean models, bolster weather/climate forecasts, aid freshwater management |
| Primary Builders | NASA (US) and CNES (France) |
| Development Lead | US space agency |
| Contributors | Canada and Britain |
Additional Information: Climate Change and Ocean's Role
The passage highlights a major thrust of the SWOT mission: exploring how oceans absorb atmospheric heat and carbon dioxide. This is a crucial aspect of understanding climate change. Oceans act as a significant carbon sink, meaning they absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process helps to mitigate the greenhouse effect and regulate global temperatures. The SWOT satellite's data on ocean topography and circulation can help scientists better understand how the ocean absorbs heat and carbon, how this process might change in the future, and its impact on climate patterns and sea levels. Accurate measurements of surface water heights globally are essential for monitoring changes in ocean circulation, sea level rise, and the availability of freshwater resources, all of which are directly linked to climate change impacts.
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'?
