UPSC CSE 2021 Main GS Paper 1
Question - How do the melting of artic ice and glaciers of the antarctic different affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth?
Answer
The melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic is a serious issue that affects the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth in different ways. Here are some of the main effects:
The melting of the Arctic ice reduces the albedo effect, which is the ability of the ice to reflect sunlight back into space. This leads to more heat being absorbed by the ocean and the atmosphere, causing further warming and ice loss. The melting of the Antarctic glaciers, on the other hand, increases the freshwater input into the ocean, which can disrupt the thermohaline circulation, which is a system of ocean currents that regulates the global climate.
The melting of both the Arctic ice and the Antarctic glaciers contributes to sea level rise, which can have devastating impacts on coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The sea level rise can also increase the frequency and intensity of storm surges, coastal flooding, and erosion.
The melting of the Arctic ice affects the jet stream, which is a band of fast-moving air that influences weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere. The jet stream becomes slower and more wavy, leading to more extreme weather events such as heat waves, cold snaps, droughts, and floods. The melting of the Antarctic glaciers affects the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which is a powerful ocean current that circulates around Antarctica. The current becomes warmer and weaker, affecting the marine life and ecosystems in the Southern Ocean
The melting of the Arctic ice and the Antarctic glaciers also affects the biodiversity and habitats of many species that depend on them. For example, polar bears, seals, walruses, penguins, krill, and fish are all threatened by the loss of ice and food sources. The melting of the ice also releases greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide that are trapped in the permafrost or undersea sediments, which can further accelerate global warming and climate change.