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World’s Physical Geography
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How do early warning systems for tsunamis work, and what technologies are involved? Discuss the roles of seismographs, buoys, and satellite communication.
Components & Working: A Tsunami Warning Centre operating on 24x7 basis. A network of land-based seismic stations for earthquake detection. A network of 12 Bottom Pressure Recorders (that could detect and measure a change in water level of 1 cm at water depths of up to 6 km of water). A network oRead more
Components & Working:
A Tsunami Warning Centre operating on 24×7 basis.
A network of land-based seismic stations for earthquake detection.
A network of 12 Bottom Pressure Recorders (that could detect and measure a change in water level of 1 cm at water depths of up to 6 km of water).
A network of tsunami buoy system it measures the change in height of the water column then this water column height is communicated and then relayed via satellite to the tsunami warning center.
Real-time observational network for upper ocean parameters and surface met-ocean parameters.
A network of 50 real time tide gauges, radar- based coastal monitoring stations and current meter moorings to monitor progress of tsunami and storm surges .
See lessThe EWS receives real-time Seismic data from the National Seismic Network the system detects all earthquake events of more than 6 Magnitude occurring in the Ocean . BPRs installed in the Deep Ocean and Buoys are the key sensors to confirm the triggering of Tsunami through INSAT end-to-end communication takes place and disseminate alerts to MHA by satellite- based virtual private network (VPN DMS). This network enables early warning center to disseminate warnings to the MHA, as well as to the State Emergency Operations Centers.
Discuss various external Geological processes with special mention of Aeolian landforms.
The earth's crust is constantly undergoing geological changes caused by internal and external forces which create new landforms. The external forces are working vigorously to wear away the surface and the interaction of these forces gives rise to present day landforms. The process is carried out inRead more
The earth’s crust is constantly undergoing geological changes caused by internal and external forces which create new landforms. The external forces are working vigorously to wear away the surface and the interaction of these forces gives rise to present day landforms. The process is carried out in four phases-
Aeolian landforms are produced by wind erosion and deposition process. This process produce a number of distinctive features-
- Mushroom rocks- these have been eroded, pitted, etched, grooved and polished by ice crystals or sand carried by wind.
- Yardangs- these are ridge separated parallel troughs carved into softer rock that runs in the direction of wind.
- Zeugen- these are the tabular masses which have a layer of soft rock laying beneath a surface of more resistant rock.
See lessClimatology: India's climate policy.
The IPCC prepares Assessment Reports, which are combined using their knowledge of climate change, its causes, potential impacts, and response options. Special Reports are also published presenting an assessment of a specific issue. The Methodology Reports provide practical guidelines for the preparaRead more
The IPCC prepares Assessment Reports, which are combined using their knowledge of climate change, its causes, potential impacts, and response options. Special Reports are also published presenting an assessment of a specific issue. The Methodology Reports provide practical guidelines for the preparation of greenhouse gas inventories. Climate change is the central perspective of these reports as they explore and assess the drivers of climate change, its impacts, related risks, and adaptation and mitigation through the eyes of diverse expert views. In respect of India, a developing country, the balancing of challenges of climate change while achieving economic growth and development has always been pointed out as crucial. The policies should be drafted to support the economy and sustainable development while incorporating green technologies and resilience. Climate finance, green economy and development, and early planning to ensure a socially equitable transition are the needs of the hour.
See lessHeat Budget
Heat budget, also known as the energy budget or radiation budget, refers to the balance of incoming and outgoing energy flows in Earth's atmosphere and surface. This balance is crucial for understanding and predicting climate patterns and changes. Incoming solar radiation, or insolation, is the primRead more
Heat budget, also known as the energy budget or radiation budget, refers to the balance of incoming and outgoing energy flows in Earth’s atmosphere and surface. This balance is crucial for understanding and predicting climate patterns and changes.
Incoming solar radiation, or insolation, is the primary source of energy for Earth’s heat budget. This energy is largely absorbed by the Earth’s surface, heating it and driving atmospheric circulation and ocean currents. Some of the incoming solar radiation is also reflected into space by clouds, aerosols, and the Earth’s surface itself.
Once absorbed, the Earth re-emits this energy as longwave infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, trap some of this outgoing radiation in the atmosphere, thereby warming the planet in a natural process known as the greenhouse effect.
In Earth’s heat budget, approximately 70% of incoming solar radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere, land, and oceans, while 30% is reflected in space. For outgoing waves, about 70% of heat is radiated back into space, and 30% is absorbed by the atmosphere and clouds.
The heat budget varies across different regions and seasons due to factors like latitude, altitude, cloud cover, and surface characteristics (such as land or ocean). Imbalances in the heat budget can lead to changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and weather events, influencing regional climates and global climate trends over time.
See lessGeography
Monsoon disturbances can have a significant impact on agriculture and food security, especially in countries like India where agriculture is heavily dependent on monsoon rains. Major causes of monsoon failure include: 1. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO): Description: ENSO is a climate phenomenonRead more
Monsoon disturbances can have a significant impact on agriculture and food security, especially in countries like India where agriculture is heavily dependent on monsoon rains. Major causes of monsoon failure include:
1. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO):
See lessDescription: ENSO is a climate phenomenon characterized by changes in ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific. During El Nino, the waters of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean warm above average, which can disrupt normal weather patterns.
Effect: El Nino can lead to weaker monsoon winds and reduced rainfall over India, resulting in drought.
2. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):
Description: IOD is an irregular oscillation of sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean. A negative IOD event (cooler than normal sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean and warmer than normal in the eastern part) can affect the monsoon.
Effect: Negative IOD phases can weaken the monsoon and reduce rainfall over India.
3. Climate change:
Description: Long-term changes in global climate patterns caused by human activities, such as greenhouse gas emissions, can alter monsoon patterns.
Effect: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall leading to floods and insufficient rainfall leading to drought.
4. Changes in atmospheric circulation:
Description: Variations in global atmospheric circulation patterns can affect the monsoon. For example, changes in the jet stream or the Madden-Julian Oscillation can affect the monsoon.
Effect: These changes may lead to a delay in the onset of the monsoon, a reduction in intensity or an uneven distribution of rainfall.
5. Deforestation and changes in land use:
Description: Large scale deforestation and land use changes can affect local and regional climate.
Effect: Reduced vegetation can lead to lower levels of moisture in the atmosphere, which disrupts rainfall patterns.
Impacts on agriculture and food security:
1. Crop failure:
Description: Monsoon rains are essential for growing many crops, including rice, a staple food in India.
Impact: Lack of rainfall can lead to crop failure, reducing overall agricultural production.
2. Lack of water:
Description: Monsoons recharge groundwater levels and fill reservoirs.
Impact: Monsoon failure can lead to water scarcity, affecting irrigation and drinking water supplies, further reducing agricultural productivity.
3. Increased costs for farmers:
Description: Farmers may need to invest in irrigation systems or purchase water.
Impact: Increased costs can reduce profit margins and put many small farmers into debt.
4. Food prices and inflation:
Description: Reduced agricultural production can lead to shortages of basic foodstuffs.
Impact: Food prices may rise, leading to inflation and making it harder for low-income households to afford basic necessities.
5. Rural Livelihood:
Description: A significant portion of India’s population depends on agriculture.
Impact: Monsoon failures can lead to loss of income and employment, exacerbate poverty and lead to rural distress.
6. Food safety:
Description: Food security includes not only the availability of food, but also access to nutritious food.
Impact: Monsoon failures can threaten food security by reducing food availability and increasing prices, which in turn affects nutrition, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Mitigation Strategies:
Improved Irrigation Systems: Development of efficient irrigation techniques to reduce dependence on monsoon rains.
Drought-tolerant crops: Promoting the cultivation of crops that can withstand dry conditions.
Water management: Strengthening water protection and management to ensure sustainable use of water resources.
Weather forecasting: Improving weather forecasting and early warning systems to help farmers prepare for adverse conditions.
Policy support: Government policy and support systems to help farmers in times of need, including subsidies, insurance and financial assistance.
Soils, Agriculture
Agriculture in deserts is possible due to advancements in technology and innovative practices that address water scarcity and harsh climate conditions. Techniques such as drip irrigation and hydroponics have revolutionized desert farming by efficiently using water. Drip irrigation delivers water dirRead more
Agriculture in deserts is possible due to advancements in technology and innovative practices that address water scarcity and harsh climate conditions. Techniques such as drip irrigation and hydroponics have revolutionized desert farming by efficiently using water. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and maximizing water use efficiency. Hydroponics allows crops to grow without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions, which conserve water and enable controlled environments.
Greenhouses and shade structures protect plants from extreme heat and provide a stable growing environment. These structures can be equipped with climate control systems to regulate temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal growing conditions.
Additionally, soil management techniques, such as using organic mulches and soil conditioners, improve soil fertility and moisture retention. Desalination technologies provide freshwater by removing salt from seawater, offering a viable water source for irrigation.
Innovative projects like the use of solar energy to power irrigation systems and the integration of aquaponics, which combines fish farming with plant cultivation, further support sustainable agriculture in deserts.
Examples like Israel’s Negev Desert and parts of the UAE demonstrate successful desert agriculture through these methods. By leveraging technology and sustainable practices, it is possible to transform arid landscapes into productive agricultural areas, supporting food security and economic development.
See lessWhat are endogenic forces? Highlight their types and discuss the role played by them in forming various landforms on the earth.
Endogenic forces are internal processes that originate within the Earth and play a crucial role in shaping its surface. These forces are driven primarily by the heat and energy emanating from the Earth's interior. They are responsible for various geological phenomena and the formation of significantRead more
Endogenic forces are internal processes that originate within the Earth and play a crucial role in shaping its surface. These forces are driven primarily by the heat and energy emanating from the Earth’s interior. They are responsible for various geological phenomena and the formation of significant landforms.
Types of Endogenic Forces
1. Tectonic Movements:
– Plate Tectonics: The movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates over the asthenosphere. This can be convergent (plates move towards each other), divergent (plates move apart), or transform (plates slide past each other).
– Orogenesis (Mountain Building): The process of mountain formation typically at convergent plate boundaries where the collision of tectonic plates leads to the folding, faulting, and uplifting of Earth’s crust.
– Epeirogenesis (Continent Building):Vertical movements of the Earth’s crust leading to the formation and uplift of large continental areas without significant folding.
2. Volcanism:
– Intrusive Volcanism: Occurs when magma cools and solidifies below the Earth’s surface, forming features like batholiths, sills, and dikes.
– Extrusive Volcanism: When magma erupts onto the Earth’s surface as lava, forming volcanic landforms like shield volcanoes, composite volcanoes, and lava plateaus.
3. Seismic Activity:
– Earthquakes: Sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust causing ground shaking. They occur due to the movement of tectonic plates along faults.
– Faulting and Folding: Faulting involves the breaking and displacement of rocks, while folding involves the bending of rock layers due to stress.
Role in Forming Various Landforms
1. Mountain Ranges:
– Formed primarily through orogenesis at convergent plate boundaries. Examples include the Himalayas, Andes, and Rockies.
2. Volcanic Landforms:
– Shield Volcanoes: Broad, gently sloping volcanoes formed by low-viscosity lava flows (e.g., Mauna Loa in Hawaii).
– Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes): Steep, conical volcanoes formed by alternating layers of lava and ash (e.g., Mount Fuji in Japan).
– Calderas: Large, basin-shaped depressions formed after the collapse of a volcano following an eruption (e.g., Yellowstone Caldera).
3. Rift Valleys:
– Formed at divergent plate boundaries where the Earth’s crust is pulled apart. Examples include the East African Rift Valley.
4. Ocean Basins:
– Created through the process of seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed as tectonic plates diverge.
5. Earthquake-Induced Landforms:
– Fault scarps and rift valleys can be formed due to the displacement of land during earthquakes.
6. Plateaus:
– Elevated flat-topped areas that can be formed by volcanic activity or the uplift of large areas of the Earth’s crust (e.g., Deccan Plateau in India).
Endogenic forces are vital in the dynamic processes that constantly reshape the Earth’s surface, leading to the formation of various landforms and contributing to the geological diversity observed on our planet.
See lesswhat is the way to control Deforestation , Climate Change and Global Warming
Deforestation, Climate change and Global Warming are some of the hottest environmental issues that the world faces today. The restoration of ecosystems, sequestration of carbon, and preservation of biodiversity make afforestation and reforestation imperative. Harvesting trees at a pace higher than tRead more
Deforestation, Climate change and Global Warming are some of the hottest environmental issues that the world faces today.
The restoration of ecosystems, sequestration of carbon, and preservation of biodiversity make afforestation and reforestation imperative. Harvesting trees at a pace higher than their regeneration is prevented by using sustainable forestry techniques. Climate change may be mitigated by lowering greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable agriculture. International accords such as the Kyoto Protocol are essential for establishing goals and promoting international collaboration.
Furthermore, maintaining carbon sinks is aided by safeguarding current forests by establishing protected areas and upholding anti-logging legislation. Personal and collective efforts can be fueled by public education and an understanding of the value of forests and climate action. To further address these environmental issues, policies that encourage conservation and sustainable development as well as investments in green technology are advocated. By combining these tactics, we can fight global warming, climate change, and deforestation while building a resilient and sustainable future.
See less"Explain how the monsoon winds influence the agricultural patterns in India and identify which Indian states receive the highest rainfall during the monsoon season."?
The monsoon winds are crucial for agriculture in India because they bring the majority of the country's rainfall. During the summer months, moist winds from the Indian Ocean move northward, carrying rain clouds. This rainfall is essential for watering crops like rice, wheat, and cotton, which are grRead more
What are the potential economic impacts of rising sea levels on coastal communities worldwide?
Rising sea level is one of the major outcomes of climate change and increases negative climate effects. This increase in ocean water will severely affect the coastal areas in all sectors, but most importantly it can damage the back bone of livelihood that is economy. Rising sea levels can have severRead more
Rising sea level is one of the major outcomes of climate change and increases negative climate effects. This increase in ocean water will severely affect the coastal areas in all sectors, but most importantly it can damage the back bone of livelihood that is economy.
Rising sea levels can have several significant economic impacts on coastal communities worldwide:-
1. **Property Damage and Losses**: Coastal properties are at risk of damage or complete destruction due to flooding and erosion caused by rising sea levels. This can lead to substantial financial losses for property owners, insurers, and local governments.
2. **Infrastructure Costs**: Coastal infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, and utilities may need to be reinforced, relocated, or redesigned to withstand higher sea levels and increased flooding risks. These upgrades can be costly and may strain local budgets.
3. **Loss of Land and Displacement**: Low-lying coastal areas may become uninhabitable due to frequent flooding, leading to displacement of residents and loss of valuable land for agriculture, industry, and housing.
4. **Impact on Tourism**: Many coastal communities rely heavily on tourism for their economy. Rising sea levels can degrade beaches, damage resorts, and reduce the attractiveness of coastal destinations, thus impacting tourism revenues.
5. **Impact on Fisheries and Aquaculture**: Coastal fisheries and aquaculture operations may be negatively affected by changes in ocean salinity, habitat degradation, and loss of coastal ecosystems that are essential for fish breeding and shellfish cultivation.
6. **Increased Insurance Costs**: Higher risks of flooding and storm surges can lead to increased insurance premiums for property owners and businesses in coastal areas, as insurers adjust for greater potential losses.
7. **Erosion of Natural Defenses**: Coastal wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs serve as natural defenses against storm surges and erosion. Rising sea levels can accelerate the degradation of these ecosystems, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the need for artificial coastal defenses.
8. **Disruption of Supply Chains**: Ports and coastal shipping routes may be disrupted or become less efficient due to sea level rise, affecting global and regional trade networks and increasing transportation costs.
9. **Health and Social Costs**: Increased flooding can pose health risks due to waterborne diseases and contamination of drinking water sources. Social costs include the disruption of communities and loss of cultural heritage in affected coastal areas.
10. **Financial Stress on Local Governments**: Local governments may face financial stress from the cumulative costs of adaptation measures, emergency response, and recovery efforts following extreme weather events exacerbated by rising sea levels.
These impacts highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels to mitigate climate change, adapt to rising sea levels, and build resilient coastal communities.
Rising sea level is the outcomes of climate change. This severely affects the coastal areas in all sectors, along with the back bone of livelihood that is economy.
Following are several significant economic impacts on coastal communities worldwide:-
1. **Property Damage and Losses**: Coastal properties are at risk of damage or complete destruction, leading to substantial financial losses.
2. **Infrastructure Costs**: Coastal infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, and utilities may need to be reinforced, relocated, or redesigned. These upgrades can be costly and may strain local budgets.
3. **Loss of Land and Displacement**: Low-lying coastal areas may become uninhabitable, leading to displacement of residents and loss of valuable land for agriculture, industry, and housing.
4. **Impact on Tourism**: Rising sea levels can degrade beaches, damage resorts, and reduce the attractiveness of coastal destinations, thus impacting tourism revenues.
5. **Impact on Fisheries and Aquaculture**: Coastal fisheries and aquaculture operations may be negatively affected by changes in ocean salinity, habitat degradation, and loss of coastal ecosystems that are essential for fish breeding and cultivation.
6. **Increased Insurance Costs**: Higher risks of flooding and storm surges can lead to increased insurance premiums for property owners and businesses in coastal areas, as insurers adjust for greater potential losses.
7. **Erosion of Natural Defenses**: Coastal wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs serve as natural defenses against storm surges and erosion. Rising sea levels can accelerate the degradation of these ecosystems, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the need for artificial coastal defenses.
8. **Disruption of Supply Chains**: Ports and coastal shipping routes may be disrupted due to sea level rise, affecting global and regional trade networks and increasing transportation costs.
9. **Health and Social Costs**: Increased flooding can pose health risks due to waterborne diseases and contamination of drinking water sources.
10. **Financial Stress on Local Governments**: Local governments may face financial stress from the cumulative costs of adaptation measures, emergency response, and recovery efforts.
This highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts at local to global levels to take steps against climate change.
See less