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.
3. What are Rock glaciers? Analyse the consequences of Himalayan permafrost melting due to the phenomenon of global warming. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The Kashmir Himalayas are dotted with permafrost structures called ‘rock glaciers’, with significant ice volumes within, a new study mapped.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about rock glaciers, its distribution in the Himalayas and impact of its thawing.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining Rock glaciers.
Body:
First, with a map, show the major distribution of permafrost in the Himalayas.
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 forward to handle the above challenges.
