Question 8ExplainGS1GS1
How do the melting of Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
Introduction
Sea ice of Arctic and glaciers of Antarctica comprise a significant element of cryosphere, which stores nearly 80% of world's fresh water resources.
23 words
Main Body
Melting of Arctic Ice
(i) Influence on Weather Patterns
1Weakening of polar vortex -> decreasing temperature contrasts -> Arctic Amplification -> warmer Arctic & colder mid-latitudes.
2Lowering of albedo -> disturbances in heat balance of Earth.
3Positive Feedback Mechanism [diagram: melting of ice -> release of GHGs -> global warming -> rising temp -> melting of ice]
(ii) Influence on Human Activities
1Submergence of coastal society & economy due to rising sea levels.
2Increase in frequency of epidemics & diseases due to release of frozen viruses. eg: zombie virus in Siberia.
3Erratic levels of precipitation and increased natural disasters due to warming oceans & slowing down of density currents. eg: Increased frequency & intensity of tropical cyclones in Arabian sea.
Melting of glaciers in Antarctica
(i) Influence on weather pattern.
1Slowing down of West Wind Drift -> warming of Benguela current -> warmer western Africa.
2Warming of Antarctica -> increased precipitation & less snowfall -> release of CO2, methane etc. ->
169 words2 paragraphs
Diagram
Cycle diagram showing positive feedback mechanism: melting of ice -> release of GHGs -> global warming -> rising temperature -> back to melting of ice
Answer continues on next page
- Good scientific concepts used
- Diagram for feedback mechanism
- Clear bifurcation of weather vs human activity impacts
Topper
Ritika Chitlangia
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Geography
Physical Geography - Cryosphere
Melting of Arctic ice - impact on weather and human activities
Writing Stats
192
Total words
2
Paragraphs
structured, point-wise
Tone