Satellite Images Show Alaska Thawing
NASA's Terra satellite took pictures of the Bering Sea on June 3, 2026. The clear skies showed melting sea ice and two volcanic islands. The wind and ocean currents moved the ice into swirling patterns. Swollen rivers also carried mud and soil into the sea near the Yukon Delta. This transition happens every year when the weather becomes warm.
In early June, the skies became clear over the Bering Sea. Then, a special NASA satellite took pictures of the water. The date of these images was June 3, 2026. The pictures showed the transition to warm summer weather.
The Terra satellite carries a special MODIS camera. This camera can see both natural colors and false colors. Scientists use the false-color images to study the landscape. In these pictures, the ice-free rivers look dark blue.
Two very large islands stand in the Bering Sea. These islands are Saint Lawrence Island and Nunivak Island. Both islands have volcanic origins from a long time ago. They have large lava flows and small shield volcanoes.
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Saint Lawrence Island is south of the Bering Strait. It lies 150 miles south of this water path. The strait separates the land of Alaska and Russia. In the past, a land bridge connected these two places.
The satellite saw a lot of sea ice near the islands. Some pack ice remained on the northeast side of the island. Other ice broke into small pieces because of warm air. The wind and ocean currents moved these small ice pieces. They created beautiful swirling patterns in the blue water.
Swollen rivers also carried sediment and organic matter to sea. This colorful water lined the coast of mainland Alaska. It entered the ocean around the big Yukon Delta wetland. The Yukon River branches into many small channels there.
More sediment enters the sea in late May and June. This happens after the thick river ice melts. Then, the rain and melted snow move the dark soil. This soil flows downstream and colors the ocean water brown.
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Which camera did the satellite use?
Past Simple Tense
We use the past simple to describe actions that started and finished in the past.
“Then, a special NASA satellite took pictures of the water.”
What to know · A2
Try saying this aloud
Scenario: Describing geographical changes and weather transitions
- 01“The weather transitioned quickly.”
- 02“The ice began to melt.”
- 03“The river is swollen with water.”
Register tip · informal
🔑Key Phrases
Describes a change in weather conditions in the past simple.
the room became clean after the cleaning.
Identifies multiple proper nouns using present plural tense.
These books are English books and French books.
Explains natural movement using compound subjects and simple past.
The rain and strong winds broke those fragile tree branches.
🎙️ Article Audio — Kokoro TTS
Satellite Images Show Alaska Thawing
💬Discussion Questions
Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.
- 1
Why do scientists study images of the Earth from space?
Opinion - 2
How do summer temperatures affect the environment in your city?
Compare - 3
Do you think we will have less ice next year?
Predict - 4
Have you ever visited a volcanic area or an island?
Personal - 5
Why is river ice breakup dangerous for local towns?
Evaluate - 6
How does the weather influence your travel plans?
Personal - 7
What is the best way to protect wetlands like deltas?
Evaluate - 8
Which season do you think is the most beautiful?
Opinion
Adapted from NASA Science · Read the original. LinguaPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.
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