GLACIAL LAKES
1. Context
Switzerland’s glaciers suffered their second-worst melt rate this year after record 2022 losses, shrinking their overall volume by 10% in the last two years, according to monitoring body GLAMOS.
2. About a glacier
- A glacier is a large mass of perennial ice that originates on land and moves downslope under the influence of its own weight and gravity.
- Glaciers are formed when snow accumulates over many years and is compressed by its own weight, transforming it into ice.
- Glaciers can be found on all continents except Australia, and they cover about 10% of the Earth's land surface.
2.1. Types of glaciers
- These are the most common type of glacier, and they are found in mountain ranges around the world. Alpine glaciers typically flow down valleys and can be several kilometres long.
- Ice sheets are the largest type of glacier, and they cover entire continents. The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are the only two ice sheets that remain on Earth today.
- Ice caps are smaller than ice sheets, but they are still very large. Ice caps are typically found on islands and in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
3. About a glacial
- A glacial is an adjective that describes anything related to glaciers.
- It can be used to describe the physical features of glaciers, the processes that create and shape glaciers, and the impact of glaciers on the environment.
- For example, glacial ice is the dense, compacted ice that makes up glaciers.
- Glacial landforms are features created by glaciers, such as moraines, eskers, and drumlins. Glacial erosion is the process by which glaciers wear away rock and sediment.
- Glacial deposition is the process by which glaciers deposit rock and sediment.
- The term glacial can also be used to describe the period during which glaciers were widespread on Earth.
- The last glacial period, known as the Pleistocene epoch, ended about 11,700 years ago.
| No, glacial and glaciers are not the same. Glacial is an adjective that describes anything related to glaciers, while glacier is a noun that refers to a large mass of perennial ice that originates on land and moves downslope under the influence of its own weight and gravity. |
4. About a glacial tongue
- A glacial tongue is a narrow extension of a glacier that projects into a body of water, such as a lake or ocean.
- Glacial tongues are formed when glaciers flow down valleys and out onto landforms that are below sea level.
- The weight of the glacier causes the ice to float on the water, and the glacier continues to flow forward, forming a tongue of ice.
- Some of the most famous glacial tongues include The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, The Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland and The Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica.
5. Glaciers in India
India is home to a large number of glaciers, with over 15,000 glaciers found in the Himalayan region. The majority of glaciers in India are located in the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Some of the most famous glaciers in India include
- The Gangotri Glacier is the source of the Ganges River, one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism. The glacier is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- The Siachen Glacier is the second longest glacier in the world outside of the polar regions. The glacier is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir and is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan.
- The Bara Shigri Glacier is the longest glacier in Himachal Pradesh. The glacier is located in the Kullu Valley and is a popular trekking destination.
- The Pindari Glacier is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The glacier is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular trekking destination.
- The Zemu Glacier is located in the state of Sikkim, and it is one of the most challenging glaciers to trek to. The Zemu Glacier is known for its stunning scenery and its unique wildlife.
- The Milam Glacier is the longest glacier in Uttarakhand. It is located in the Kumaon Himalayas, in the Pithoragarh district.
6. "Strategic” role of glaciers-what does it mean?
The "strategic" role of glaciers refers to their importance to national security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
National security: Glaciers play a role in national security by providing water for military bases and by helping to regulate the climate. For example, the Siachen Glacier in India is strategically important because it controls access to several high-altitude mountain passes.
Economic development: Glaciers are important for economic development by providing water for irrigation, hydropower generation, and tourism. For example, the glaciers in the Himalayas provide water for millions of people in India and Pakistan.
Environmental sustainability: Glaciers play an important role in environmental sustainability by regulating the water cycle, supporting biodiversity, and helping to mitigate climate change. For example, the glaciers in the Himalayas help to regulate the flow of water into the Ganges River, which is a lifeline for millions of people.
7. Which is largest glacier in India?
- The largest glacier in India is the Siachen Glacier. It is situated in the Karakoram Himalayas in the northern part of the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir, close to the borders with Pakistan and China.
- Due to its high altitude and remote location, it is often referred to as the "highest battlefield on Earth" because of military conflicts between India and Pakistan in the region.
- The Siachen Glacier is the second-longest glacier outside of the polar regions, with a length of 76 kilometres and 11 kilometres wide, and covers an area of about 780 square kilometres.
- The glacier is also the source of the Nubra River, which flows into the Shyok River, a tributary of the Indus River.
- The Siachen Glacier is a vital source of water for millions of people in India and Pakistan.
- The glacier also plays an important role in regulating the climate and supporting biodiversity. However, the Siachen Glacier is under threat from climate change.
- As the Earth's temperature rises, the glacier is melting at an alarming rate. This is causing the glacier to shrink and retreat and is also contributing to sea level rise.
8. The Way Forward
Glaciers are vital to our planet and our way of life. It is important to take action to protect glaciers from climate change and other threats. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, protecting glacier ecosystems, and monitoring glaciers, we can help to ensure that these precious resources are preserved for future generations.
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For Prelims: Glacier, glacial, Antarctica, Himalayas, Greenland, Siachen Glacier, Gangotri Glacier, Bara Shigri Glacier, Pindari Glacier, Zemu Glacier, Milam Glacier, Thwaites Glacier, Perito Moreno Glacier, Jakobshavn Glacier,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the factors contributing to the accelerated melt of glaciers worldwide and its implications for global climate systems. Explain how to address this issue effectively. (250 Words)
2. Explain the strategic importance of glaciers in India. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with glacier-dependent regions in India? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC CSE 2019) Glacier River 1. Bandarpunch Yamuna 2. Bara Shigri Chenab 3. Milam Mandakini 4. Siachen Nubra 5. Zemu Manas Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? A. 1, 2 and 4 B. 1, 3 and 4 C. 2 and 5 D. 3 and 5 Answer: A 2. The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What would be the reason for the formation of this hole? (UPSC CSE 2011) A. Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbon.
B. Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
C. Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
D. Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming
Answer: B 3. The Arctic region and the Antarctica continent are situated near (68th BPSC Prelims 2023) A. the Amazon Basin
B. the Sahara Desert
C. the North and south Poles
D. More than one of the above
E. None of the above
Answer: C 4. Where is Greenland located? (UPSSSC Forest Guard 2018) A. South pacific
B. Indian ocean
C. Caribbean sea
D. North atlantic
Answer: D 5. Greenland is a part of which one of the following countries? (BPSC 66th Combined Competitive Exam) A. Denmark
B. Finland
C. Canada
D. United Kingdom
E. None of the above/More than one of the above
Answer: A 6. Siachen Glacier is situated to the (UPSC CSE 2020) A. East of Aksai Chin
B. East of Leh
C. North of Gilgit
D. North of Nubra Valley
Answer: D |
Source: indianexpress
