Question Q.15Examine, SuggestGS1GS1
Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
Hydrological cycle refers to the circulation of water in the form of rain, water vapour, snow through the earth's atmosphere/lithosphere. It plays an essential role in regulating biological life and ecosystems.
31 words
Main Body
Impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle:
1It increases the vagaries of rainfall Ex - recent extreme rainfall in Delhi during monsoon.
2Global warming leads to rising temperatures and mixed with water vapour/moisture leads to wet-bulb effect.
3Climate change leads to irregular monsoons. This forces farmers to pump out groundwater for irrigation which has impact on the hydrological cycle.
4Excess rainfall and melting of glaciers leads to rise in sea water levels.
5Climate change affects global atmospheric events like El Nino and La Nino which disturbs the usual hydrological cycle.
6The hydrological cycle maintains an equilibrium between evaporation and precipitation rate which is disrupted due to climate change.
Mitigation and adaptation strategies:
1There is a need to control and reduce global warming - strategies include: fund R&D into newer technology, use renewable energy, reduce carbon footprint, change from an anthropocentric to a biocentric view.
2Build disaster resilient infrastructure Ex - CDRI
3Practice rainwater harvesting methods
4Adopt sustainable development strategies like green growth
5Regulate extraction of groundwater
178 words1 paragraphs
Conclusion
Thus, human collective action is required to deal with the effects of climate change on hydrological cycles.
17 words
- Good current affairs example
- Clear definition
Topper
Ritika Rath
AIR 48
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Geography
Physical Geography
Hydrological cycle and climate change
Writing Stats
226
Total words
1
Paragraphs