Draw attention to the different ecological issues brought on by the exploitation and use of resources found in the Indian Ocean. (200 Words) [UPPSC 2020]
Role of Glaciers in Shaping Landforms in High Mountain Areas Glacial Erosion Glaciers are powerful agents of erosion in high mountain areas. As glaciers advance and retreat, they erode the landscape through two main processes: Plucking: This occurs when glaciers remove rock from the valley floor andRead more
Role of Glaciers in Shaping Landforms in High Mountain Areas
Glacial Erosion
Glaciers are powerful agents of erosion in high mountain areas. As glaciers advance and retreat, they erode the landscape through two main processes:
- Plucking: This occurs when glaciers remove rock from the valley floor and sides, as ice picks up and carries fragments. For example, the Yosemite Valley in the Sierra Nevada was carved through plucking by glaciers during the last Ice Age.
- Abrasion: This happens when the glacier’s movement grinds down the rock surface beneath it, causing scratches and polishing. The Himalayan range has numerous features shaped by abrasion, including the deep, U-shaped valleys.
Landforms Created by Glaciers
- U-Shaped Valleys: Unlike V-shaped valleys formed by rivers, glaciers carve out U-shaped valleys with steep sides and flat bottoms. The Glacier National Park in Montana showcases many such valleys, formed by glacial action.
- Cirques: These are amphitheater-like depressions formed at the head of a glacier. The Andes Mountains feature numerous cirques, including the prominent Huascarán Cirque in Peru.
- Aretes and Horns: Aretes are sharp ridges between two glacial valleys, while horns are pointed peaks formed when several glaciers erode a mountain from multiple sides. The Matterhorn in the Alps is a classic example of a horn.
- Moraines: Glaciers deposit debris as moraines along their sides and ends. These formations include terminal moraines at the glacier’s end and lateral moraines along its sides. The Patagonian Ice Field in South America features extensive morainal deposits.
- Glacial Lakes: Meltwater from glaciers can form glacial lakes in depressions. The Rila Lakes in Bulgaria are a result of glacial activity, creating stunning high-altitude lake systems.
Recent Examples
- The 2015 Nepal Earthquake caused significant glacial melt and landslides in the Himalayas, highlighting the dynamic nature of glacial landforms.
- The melting of glaciers in the Alps due to climate change has exposed previously hidden landforms and altered the landscape significantly.
In summary, glaciers play a crucial role in shaping high mountain landforms through processes of erosion and deposition, creating features such as U-shaped valleys, cirques, aretes, horns, and moraines. These processes continue to shape landscapes, influenced by both natural forces and climatic changes.
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Ecological Problems Associated with Exploitation of Resources from the Indian Ocean Overfishing Overfishing is a significant ecological issue in the Indian Ocean. The extensive fishing practices, especially targeting high-value species like tuna and sharks, have led to the depletion of fish stocks.Read more
Ecological Problems Associated with Exploitation of Resources from the Indian Ocean
Overfishing
Overfishing is a significant ecological issue in the Indian Ocean. The extensive fishing practices, especially targeting high-value species like tuna and sharks, have led to the depletion of fish stocks. For example, the decline in tuna populations impacts marine biodiversity and disrupts the oceanic food chain. This overexploitation not only threatens the sustainability of fish populations but also affects the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Coral Reef Degradation
Coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, such as the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and the Lakshadweep Atolls, face severe degradation due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Rising sea temperatures lead to coral bleaching, while pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge smothers coral reefs, affecting their biodiversity and resilience.
Oil Spills
Oil spills from maritime accidents and offshore drilling activities pose severe risks to the Indian Ocean’s marine environment. The 2018 Mumbai oil spill, which resulted from a collision between two vessels, highlights the dangers of such spills. Oil pollution harms marine life, contaminates coastal areas, and disrupts local economies dependent on fisheries and tourism.
Plastic Pollution
The Indian Ocean suffers from plastic pollution, with plastics and other marine debris accumulating in the ocean and affecting marine species. Microplastics have been found in the tissues of marine organisms, impacting their health and entering the human food chain. The 2019 UNEP report on marine litter underscores the growing threat of plastic waste in the Indian Ocean.
Climate Change Effects
Climate change exacerbates existing ecological problems by causing ocean acidification, which affects shell-forming organisms and disrupts marine ecosystems. Additionally, sea-level rise due to melting glaciers threatens coastal communities and ecosystems in countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
Recent Examples
In summary, the exploitation of resources from the Indian Ocean is associated with various ecological problems, including overfishing, coral reef degradation, oil spills, plastic pollution, and the effects of climate change. Addressing these issues requires coordinated international efforts and sustainable management practices.
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