Grade 6 reading comprehension worksheet featuring a passage about the Arctic Ocean, complete with illustrative images and follow-up questions.

Reading Comprehension Worksheet: THE FROZEN OCEAN

#### Passage Summary
The passage provides information about the Arctic Ocean, including its size, exploration challenges, geographical features, ecological importance, and seasonal changes. It highlights the unique characteristics of the Arctic Ocean, such as its ice cover, biodiversity, and the impact of climate change.

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Questions and Answers

#### 1. How much area does the Arctic Ocean cover?
- Answer: The Arctic Ocean covers an area of about 5,427,000 square miles.
- Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the Arctic Ocean covers an area of about 5,427,000 square miles, which is roughly the size of Russia.

#### 2. Why is the Arctic Ocean the least explored?
- Answer: The Arctic Ocean is the least explored primarily because ice partly covers it throughout the year.
- Explanation: The passage mentions that the Arctic Ocean is one of the least explored oceans due to its extensive ice cover, which makes navigation and exploration difficult.

#### 3. What is the Arctic Ocean’s surface temperature?
- Answer: The Arctic Ocean’s surface temperature varies seasonally but can drop to -2°C or lower.
- Explanation: The passage explains that the surface temperature of the Arctic Ocean varies seasonally and can reach very low temperatures, with salt lowering the freezing point of seawater to around -2°C.

#### 4. What is the most important aspect of its biodiversity?
- Answer: The most important aspect of the Arctic Ocean’s biodiversity is the presence of micro-algae called phytoplankton.
- Explanation: The passage emphasizes that phytoplankton are a crucial component of the Arctic Ocean's ecosystem. They form the base of the food chain, providing nourishment to marine animals and regulating ice formation.

#### 5. What is the ‘frail ice’?
- Answer: Frail ice is a salt-free solution formed when tiny ice needles start to form in the water, trapping pockets of salty water within its layers.
- Explanation: The passage describes frail ice as a thin layer of ice that forms initially. As the temperature drops, this ice thickens and traps pockets of salty water, creating a fragile structure.

#### 6. What happens in summer in the Arctic Ocean?
- Answer: In summer, the ice melts, and the surface cover can be reduced to half of what it was during winter. The sun is out day and night, allowing the ocean to thrive temporarily.
- Explanation: The passage explains that during summer, the ice in the Arctic Ocean melts, reducing the surface ice cover significantly. This period is characterized by continuous daylight, which supports increased biological activity.

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Final Answers

1. 5,427,000 square miles
2. Because ice partly covers it throughout the year.
3. It varies seasonally but can drop to -2°C or lower.
4. The presence of micro-algae called phytoplankton.
5. A salt-free solution formed when tiny ice needles start to form, trapping pockets of salty water.
6. The ice melts, reducing the surface cover to half, and the sun is out day and night, supporting increased biological activity.

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Boxed Final Answer

\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{l}
1. \text{5,427,000 square miles} \\
2. \text{Because ice partly covers it throughout the year.} \\
3. \text{It varies seasonally but can drop to -2°C or lower.} \\
4. \text{The presence of micro-algae called phytoplankton.} \\
5. \text{A salt-free solution formed when tiny ice needles start to form, trapping pockets of salty water.} \\
6. \text{The ice melts, reducing the surface cover to half, and the sun is out day and night, supporting increased biological activity.}
\end{array}
}
\]