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.
1. Discuss the worldwide dispersion of permanently frozen ground known as permafrost. Analyse the consequences of permafrost melting due to the phenomenon of global warming. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
With rising global temperatures, thawing permafrost is likely to destabilise thousands of industrial sites and linked contaminated areas in the Arctic, which could result in the spread of toxic substances across the region, according to 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.
