Ice plays a crucial role in moderating the Earth's climate so it is important to understand any changes that might be occurring in the polar regions. While measuring the extent of polar ice is relatively easy, accurately measuring fluctuations in ice thickness is much more difficult. ESA plans to address this issue with the launch of CryoSat-2 in 2009.

Scientists focus on ice as part of International Polar Year

Multimedia news and information from the European Space Agency including human space flight, space science, Earth observation, ground control and mission operations. Current deep-space missions include Mars Express, Venus Express and Rosetta, Europe's comet chaser. Produced by the ESA Communications Department. ESA Portal: http://www.esa.int

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Scientists focus on ice as part of International Polar Year

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