Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
2. Throw light on the global distribution of permafrost. Examine the impact of permafrost thawing due to global warming. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
A warming planet is resulting in the loss of the Earth’s cryosphere — parts of the planet where water is permanently frozen such as glaciers and ice sheets, and this could be resurrecting trapped pathogens, giving rise to potential public health threats, find a new study.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about permafrost, its global distribution and impact of its thawing.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining permafrost.
Body:
First, with a map, show the major areas of the world that are covered with permafrost.
Next, write about the thawing of permafrost under the impact of global warming.
Next, write about the impact of thawing of permafrost – Thawing permafrost can raise water levels in Earth’s oceans and increase erosion, resurrecting trapped pathogens, giving rise to potential public health threats etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way froward to handle the above challenges.
