Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Start with a clear definition of a cloudburst. Mention its characteristics (intense rainfall, small affected area, and short duration). Briefly explain its consequences (flash floods, landslides, etc.). 2. Understanding Cloudburst Mechanism Discuss the meteorological factors that lead to a cloudburst, ...
Model Answer The Arctic ice caps are receding at an alarming rate, with a 13% loss per decade and a 95% decrease in the oldest, thickest ice over the past 30 years. If unchecked emissions continue, the Arctic could experience ice-free summers by 2040. This has far-reaching implications for global clRead more
Model Answer
The Arctic ice caps are receding at an alarming rate, with a 13% loss per decade and a 95% decrease in the oldest, thickest ice over the past 30 years. If unchecked emissions continue, the Arctic could experience ice-free summers by 2040. This has far-reaching implications for global climate, marine ecosystems, and the global economy.
Impact on Global Climate
- Global Warming: As the ice caps shrink, they expose darker ocean or land beneath, which absorbs more sunlight, thereby increasing global temperatures. Additionally, thawing ice and permafrost release methane, further accelerating climate change.
- Modification of Climate Patterns: The loss of ice leads to less reflected heat, which could intensify global heatwaves. Simultaneously, the destabilization of the Polar Jet Stream can cause colder winters as it shifts south, bringing frigid air into mid-latitude regions.
Impact on Marine Ecosystem
- Habitat Loss: Ice-dependent species such as seals, walruses, and penguins face habitat destruction, making them vulnerable to extinction .
- Altered Food Chains: The melting of sea ice disrupts the algae growth on which zooplankton, fish, and seals depend, thus disturbing the entire marine food web.
- Ocean Salinity: Freshwater influx from melting ice alters ocean salinity, harming species like corals and mollusks that depend on specific salt concentrations .
Impact on the Global Economy
- Shipping Routes: Melting ice opens up new shipping lanes, such as the Northern Sea Route, reducing shipping distances and costs .
- Resource Extraction: The receding ice enables access to previously unreachable resources, including oil, gas, and minerals.
- Tourism: The retreat of ice has boosted polar tourism, benefiting local economies.
Conclusion
The receding ice caps in the Arctic pose severe risks to both the environment and the global economy. Addressing this issue requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in adaptive infrastructure, and promoting international cooperation for mitigation efforts.
See less
Model Answer A cloudburst is a weather phenomenon characterized by intense rainfall, often exceeding 100 mm per hour, occurring within a short duration (typically less than an hour) over a small area of approximately 20-30 square kilometers. This sudden downpour may be accompanied by thunder, lightnRead more
Model Answer
A cloudburst is a weather phenomenon characterized by intense rainfall, often exceeding 100 mm per hour, occurring within a short duration (typically less than an hour) over a small area of approximately 20-30 square kilometers. This sudden downpour may be accompanied by thunder, lightning, and hail. Cloudbursts can lead to flash floods, landslides, and significant devastation, particularly in mountainous regions like the Himalayas.
Reasons for Increasing Instances of Cloudbursts in Himalayan States
Several factors contribute to the increasing frequency of cloudbursts in India’s Himalayan states:
Recent Cloudburst Incidents
Conclusion
The growing frequency of cloudbursts in the Himalayan states is linked to climate change, deforestation, and shifting weather patterns. These extreme weather events pose significant challenges, requiring urgent mitigation strategies such as forest conservation and adoption of sustainable practices.
See less