Submarine Vanishes Without Trace as Scientists Plan Return

A new robotic submarine will explore under Antarctica’s glaciers. This is where another submarine called Ran has been lost. Ran disappeared in January 2024 while it was working. It collected many important data about the melting ice there.

Ran was operated by the University of Gothenburg. The new submarine, called Ran II, will be ready for use in winter 2026/2027. It will have better tools to handle the dangerous conditions under the ice.

For six years, Ran provided scientists with important information. It took pictures and mapped areas beneath glaciers like the Thwaites Glacier. This glacier is crucial for understanding sea level rise.

Ran showed that the ice under glaciers is not flat. There are hills, valleys, and even areas that look like sand dunes. These shapes affect how quickly the ice melts.

Ran’s work is essential for scientists to study melting ice. The new submarine will continue this important research to understand how fast the ice is melting and its impact on sea levels.

How much do you know?

What is the name of the new robotic submarine?

Ran

Ran II

Antarctica Explorer

Glacier Hunter

When did the original submarine Ran disappear?

January 2024

June 2025

March 2023

December 2024

Which university operated the original submarine Ran?

University of Gothenburg

University of Stockholm

University of Oslo

University of Lund

What is the time frame for when Ran II will be ready for use?

2023/2024

2025/2026

2026/2027

2028/2029

What glacier is specifically mentioned as being critical for understanding sea level rise?

Thwaites Glacier

Greenland Glacier

Antarctic Peninsula

Ross Glacier

What unique characteristics did Ran discover about the ice under glaciers?

It is flat

It has hills and valleys

It is always thick

It is colorless

Ran II is expected to be operational in winter 2025/2026.

True False

The original submarine Ran provided data for six years.

True False

The submarine Ran was lost in Antarctica’s glaciers.

True False

Ran showed that the ice under glaciers is completely flat.

True False

The research conducted by Ran is important for scientists studying ice melting.

True False

Ran II will have fewer tools than its predecessor, Ran.

True False

Ran collected important data about the melting ice under Antarctica's glaciers from .

The new submarine Ran II will be ready for use in winter 2026/.

Ran provided essential information for years.

Thwaites Glacier is crucial for understanding sea level .

There are hills, valleys, and areas that look like sand dunes under the ice, affecting how quickly the ice .

The new robotic submarine will continue the important research to understand how fast the ice is melting and its impact on sea .

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