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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on December 19, 2024

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Hind Kush Mountains

For Preliminary Examination:  Himalayan ranges, Himalayam rivers

For Mains Examination: GS I - Indian Geography

Context:

Due to rising temperatures, record glacier melting has occurred in 2023 globally, including in Asia, according to the State of the Cryosphere 2024 report

Read about:

Khyber Pass and other trade routes

Impact on the monsoons and climatic patterns in South Asia

Key takeaways:

• The Hindu Kush Mountains are a significant mountain range located in South-Central Asia, forming a crucial part of the Himalayan mountain system. Known for their strategic, ecological, and historical importance, these mountains extend from central Afghanistan into northwestern Pakistan, and connect to the Pamir Knot and the Karakoram Range
• If carbon dioxide emissions continue unabated, global temperatures could rise by 3°C or more above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. This escalation poses a severe threat to the planet’s cryosphere, with profound implications for ecosystems, human livelihoods, and the global economy.
• These alarming trends were highlighted in the State of the Cryosphere 2024 – Lost Ice, Global Damage, a report unveiled at the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22.
• Published annually since 2021 by the International Cryosphere Climatic Initiative, the report assesses the health of the world's cryosphere.
• It reveals that 2023 witnessed unprecedented glacier melting worldwide, including in Asia, with significant impacts on regions like the Indian Himalayan Region. Before delving into the specific impacts of cryosphere loss in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, it is essential to understand the cryosphere's components, significance, and how rising global temperatures are affecting it.

Cryosphere: Components and Significance

• The term "cryosphere" is derived from the Greek word Kryos, meaning "icy cold." It encompasses all frozen water on Earth’s surface, including snow, glaciers, ice caps, ice sheets, sea ice, and permafrost. Permafrost refers to ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. These elements are predominantly found in polar regions, high latitudes, and mountainous areas.
• The cryosphere plays an integral role in regulating the Earth's climate and hydrological systems. Acting as a vital reservoir of water, it supplies essential resources during periods of low water availability or drought. Snow, with its high albedo effect, reflects over 90% of incoming solar radiation, contributing to global temperature regulation and keeping the planet cooler.
• The glaciers in the HKH region—dubbed the "Third Pole" or the "Water Tower of the Earth"—are crucial for sustaining major river systems like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
• These glaciers, formed through the accumulation of snow over centuries, serve as key indicators of climate change. Snow layers preserve historical climate data, such as temperature, air composition, and traces of pollutants, which can be analyzed using ice-core techniques. However, the thawing of permafrost exacerbates global warming by releasing methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Hindu Kush Himalayan Region: Impacts of Cryosphere Loss

• The report emphasizes that 2023 was marked by record glacier melting worldwide, with the HKH region experiencing minimal snowfall during the 2023-2024 winter season. Reduced seasonal snow cover threatens food, water, and energy security across India and the surrounding region.
• The Indian Himalayan Region, encompassing 13 states and Union Territories, is particularly vulnerable to these changes. Even a 2°C rise in global temperatures could lead to a 50% reduction in the ice volume of High Mountain Asian glaciers. At a 1.5°C increase, substantial cryosphere loss in the HKH region is inevitable.
• This loss heightens the risk of catastrophic events like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which have already become more frequent in High Mountain Asia. A recent example is the South Lhonak Lake disaster in Sikkim in October 2023, which caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage.
• The findings underscore the urgent need for global climate action to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of cryosphere degradation on ecosystems, economies, and human well-being

Follow Up Question

1.Which of the following statements regarding the Hindu Kush mountain range is/are correct?

1. The Hindu Kush mountain range extends across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Tajikistan.
2. The Hindu Kush is the source of major rivers such as the Indus and the Ganges.
3. The region is part of the global "Third Pole," known for its sign