Geography - 4 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Impact of Ground Water Extraction on Earth’s Spin

Context

Some Key Findings of the Study are:

• As per the study, pumping of groundwater has tilted the earth by almost 80 cm east between the year 1993 and 2010 alone.
• The water circulated across the earth determines how mass is distributed and it has been found that between the year 1993 and 2010, people extracted almost 2,200 gigatons of groundwater.
• High groundwater extraction has caused the earth's pole to drift at a rate of 4.3 cm’s per year between the year 1993 and 2010 which makes it the climate-related factor having highest impact on polar motion.
• The study also found that high groundwater extraction contributed to a sea-level rise of almost 6.2 mm.
• The study also recommended to increase efforts to slow groundwater depletion, especially in the sensitive regions.

What are the Factors Affecting Earth's Rotation?

• Conservation of angular momentum: As the Earth formed from a rotating cloud of gas and dust, its rotation rate was established by the conservation of angular momentum. The collapse of this cloud caused it to spin faster due to the conservation of this property.
• Distribution of mass: The distribution of mass within the Earth affects its rotation. Variations in the mass distribution, such as the presence of continents, mountains, and oceanic trenches, can cause slight changes in the rotation rate. Large-scale movements of mass, such as the melting of glaciers or the redistribution of water in the oceans, can also impact the rotation rate.
• Tidal forces: The gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun creates tidal forces on Earth. These forces cause bulges in the oceans and deformations on the Earth's surface, leading to friction and transfer of angular momentum between the Earth and the Moon-Sun system. As a result, the Earth's rotation slows down slightly over time.
• Atmospheric and oceanic circulation: The movement of air masses in the atmosphere and water currents in the oceans can influence the Earth's rotation. Changes in atmospheric pressure, wind patterns, and ocean currents can cause redistribution of mass and affect the rotation rate.
• Earthquakes and tectonic activity: Significant earthquakes and tectonic events can cause localized shifts in mass distribution, which can alter the Earth's rotation. However, the effect of individual seismic events is generally negligible on a global scale.
• Glacial isostatic adjustment: The melting and formation of large ice sheets during glacial periods can cause significant changes in the Earth's rotation. As the ice melts, the land rebounds and redistributes mass, impacting the rotation rate.

Conclusion

It's important to note that while these factors can influence the Earth's rotation, their effects are relatively small and occur over long periods of time. The Earth's rotation is quite stable on human timescales.

Flash Floods in Himachal Pradesh

Context

The impact of flash floods and development in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Details

• Flash floods during this year's monsoon season caused unprecedented damage to lives and assets.
• Death toll exceeds 150, with estimated total losses of ₹10,000 crore.
• Both climate change and human-induced disasters contributed to the calamity.
• Past data shows significant loss of lives and property due to planned development.

Role of Climate Change and Increased Precipitation

• IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) VI report highlights the impact of climate change on the Himalayas and coastal regions.
• Increased precipitation observed in shorter periods in the Himalayas.
• Instances of rainfall exceeding normal levels in certain years (e.g., 888 mm in 2010, 926.9 mm in 2018).
• This year's precipitation was attributed to the combined effect of south-west monsoon and western disturbances (511 mm).

Reworking the Development Model

• The State's development model initiated in 1971 transformed Himachal Pradesh into a development exemplar.
• Parmar's model focused on land reforms, social welfare, and human resources.
• Successes: Second rank in social development indices, universal electricity access, improved connectivity, and advancements in agriculture.
• Advent of liberalization led to changes, with mountain States required to generate their own resources for fiscal management.
• Exploitation of natural resources, including forests, water, tourism, and cement production, became a focus for development.

Impact of Hydropower Projects

• Hydropower projects became a dominant focus for hill States to attract investments.
• Multilateral agencies' shift in funding priorities to finance large hydropower projects.
• Uncontrolled construction transforming mountain rivers into streams, affecting ecosystems.
• "Run of the river" dams divert water through tunnels, dumping excavated material (muck) along riverbeds.
• During heavy precipitation, dumped muck carried back into rivers, causing further damage.
• Examples of affected rivers: Parvati, Beas, Sutlej, and others.
• Long tunnels planned or commissioned on the Sutlej river leading to ecosystem harm.
• Currently, 168 hydropower projects are in operation, generating 10,848 MW of electricity.
• By 2030, 1,088 hydropower projects are projected to harness 22,640 MW of energy, raising concerns about potential disasters.

Tourism and Road Expansion

• Development-driven road expansion aims to promote tourism and attract visitors.
• National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) involved in road-widening projects.
• Public-private-partnership (PPP) approach prioritizes rapid project completion.
• Bypassing geological studies and mountain engineering skills resulted in vertical mountain cutting.
• Consequences: Massive landslides and damage to existing roads during heavy rain or floods.

 Environmental Impact of Cement Plants

• Massive cement plants in districts like Bilaspur, Solan, Chamba causing significant land use changes.
• Contributing to flash floods during rainfall.
• Removal of vegetation reduces land's capacity to absorb water.

Shift in Crop Patterns

• Silent transformation in agriculture and horticulture patterns.
• More farmers are adopting a cash crop economy over traditional cereal farming.
• Short timeframes for transporting perishable crops leading to hasty road construction.
• Lack of proper drainage and dumping areas for muck, causing river ecosystem contamination.
• Resulting rapid swelling of rivulets and rivers even during normal rainfall.

Proposed Solutions

• Institute a Commission of Inquiry involving stakeholders to address policy framework failures.
• Empower local communities over assets and insure them for compensation.
• Adequate changes in infrastructure planning needed to mitigate climate change and development-induced disasters.

Lightning in India

Context

Lightning has been a cause of concern in India, leading to a significant number of fatalities each year. As demands arise from states like Bihar and West Bengal to declare lightning a natural disaster, the Union government has taken a cautious stance.

• If approved, victims would be entitled to compensation from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), of which 75% is contributed by the Central government.

What is the Current Scenario of Lightening in India?

• About:
  • Lightning is a powerful and visible electrical phenomenon that takes place when there is a buildup of electrical charges within clouds and between clouds and the ground.
    • The discharge of this electrical energy results in a brilliant flash of light and a rapid expansion of air, creating the characteristic thunder that accompanies lightning.
    • Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is dangerous because it can electrocute people due to its high electric voltage and current.
  • India ranks among the five countries worldwide with an early warning system for lightning.
    • The system provides forecasts ranging from five days to as close as three hours before the occurrence of lightning.
• Lightning Fatalities: Statistics and Trends
  • National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Data: In 2021, lightning accounted for 2,880 deaths, comprising 40% of all accidental deaths caused by "forces of nature."
    • The trend indicates an increase in lightning-related fatalities compared to other natural events.
• Geographical Distribution in India:
  • Lightning frequency is highest in northeastern states and West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar.
    • However, the number of lightning-related deaths is higher in central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
  • Bihar is one of the most vulnerable states to lightning strikes, with a significant number of deaths reported annually.
    • In 2023, till July 6, Bihar recorded 107 deaths due to lightning.
• Union Government's View About Lightning:
  • The Union government opposes declaring lightning a natural disaster. The government believes that education and awareness can help prevent lightning-related deaths effectively.

What are the Possible Factors Behind the Increasing Trend of Lightning Strikes?

• Climate Change: Global warming and climate change could potentially influence atmospheric conditions, leading to an increase in thunderstorms and lightning activity.
  • As the planet's temperature rises, there may be changes in the distribution of moisture, instability, and convective processes that could favor more frequent lightning occurrences.
  • Kalbaisakhi is a localised thunderstorm occurrence that is accompanied by lightning, typically observed during the pre-monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent.
• Urbanization: The expansion of urban areas can create what is known as the "urban heat island effect."
  • Cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas due to increased human activity, energy consumption, and impervious surfaces.
  • These localized heat islands may lead to the formation of more thunderstorms and, consequently, an increase in lightning strikes.
• Land Use Changes: Deforestation, changes in agricultural practices, and alterations of natural landscapes may disrupt local atmospheric conditions.
  • Such changes might contribute to the development of thunderstorms and, consequently, more lightning.
• Pollution and Aerosols: Air pollution, including aerosols and particulate matter, can affect cloud formation and electrical activity within storms.
  • Anthropogenic emissions might influence the frequency and intensity of thunderstorms, potentially leading to more lightning strikes.

Way Forward

• Educational Campaigns: Launch extensive educational campaigns to raise awareness about lightning safety.
  • The focus should be on educating people, especially in rural areas, about the dangers of lightning and the precautions they can take to stay safe.
• Lightning Prediction and Warning Systems: Develop and implement lightning prediction and warning systems to provide advanced notice of lightning storms. This can help people take necessary precautions and seek shelter in time.
• Lightning-Resistant Infrastructure: Encourage the construction of lightning-resistant infrastructure, especially in high-risk areas such as schools, hospitals, and public buildings.
  • It can include installing lightning rods on tall structures, buildings, and houses to provide a safe path for lightning to travel to the ground, reducing the risk of damage from a direct strike.
  • Also, using surge protectors for electrical equipment and devices. Lightning strikes can cause power surges that may damage sensitive electronics. Surge protectors can divert excess voltage and protect the equipment.
• Training for First Responders: Train local emergency services and first responders on how to deal with lightning-related incidents and provide them with necessary equipment.

Hygroelectricity 

Context

A groundbreaking discovery in the field of renewable energy.

Details

• Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a technology called hygroelectricity, which generates electricity from humid air.
• This concept, explored by Nikola Tesla, has been a subject of scientific inquiry for decades and is now closer to becoming a reality.

How it Works

• The technology utilizes a device with two electrodes and a thin layer of material filled with nanopores.
• As the water molecules move from an upper chamber to a lower chamber, they interact with the edges of the nanopores, leading to the buildup of electric charge imbalances between the chambers.
• This process effectively transforms the device into a miniature battery, generating continuous electricity.

Similar to Clouds and Lightning

• Researchers compare the device to a small-scale, man-made cloud that converts air humidity into usable electricity.
• Potential applications include powering miniature computers, sensors, and providing sustainable energy sources for remote locations.

Versatility and Continuous Availability

• One significant advantage of this technology is its versatility, applicable to a range of materials with the necessary nanopores.
• Unlike solar and wind energy, air humidity is continuously available, making it a sustainable reservoir of energy.

Challenges and Potential

• Currently, the device can produce electricity equivalent to only a fraction of a volt, making scaling up for practical energy demands a challenge.
• More data on power output and cost-effectiveness is needed for widespread adoption of this revolutionary energy source.