Dr. Veerabhadran Ramanathan's team from the National Science Foundation and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography was surprised by the extent, thickness, and persistence. Of what?

Send your answer by 5 p.m. ET Sunday to newsquiz@slate.com.

Wednesday's Question (No. 256)--"Artifact or Fiction?":

The list includes a paper shredder (Shark 200 personal security shredder), a leather picture frame (without picture), and three pair of Jockey® shorts (athletic midway pouch brief). List of what?

"Items Tipper Gore sought comfort in, to help relieve her mind-numbing bouts of depression."--Larry Amoros

"The first three gifts of the worst Hanukkah ever."--Tim Carvell

"Evidence that will prove Jar Jar is gay."--Daniel Radosh

"Friday's NATO bombing targets. 'We're weaning the pilots off slowly,' said a spokesman."--Beth Sherman

"If you're buying these as gifts for your father, your shrink owes you a refund."--Jennifer Miller

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