Geography - 3 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Massive Floods in Dubai

Why in News?

Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced one of its most intense rainfall events following a severe thunderstorm that initially impacted Oman before reaching the UAE. Meanwhile, Mumbai, located across the Arabian Sea, has been enduring a humid heatwave with a relative humidity of 55%.

What is the Climate of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Rain Pattern?

• UAE is situated in arid regions, making heavy rainfall uncommon.
• Typically, Dubai receives an average of 94.7 mm of rain annually.
• This recent event was historic, resulting in over 142 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours.

Possible Causes of Extreme Rain:

• Climate Change: Factors like natural climate variability (e.g., El Niño and La Niña) have contributed to the extreme rainfall.
• Global Warming: Higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation from water bodies, allowing the atmosphere to retain more moisture. For every 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature, the atmosphere can hold about 7% more moisture, intensifying storms.
• Cloud Seeding: This technique involves injecting chemicals like silver iodide into clouds to enhance rainfall, especially in water-scarce regions. The UAE actively employs cloud seeding to boost precipitation.
• Thunderstorms: These storms arise from atmospheric imbalances caused by warm, rising air, moisture availability, and upward air currents from colliding weather fronts.

What are Thunderstorms?

• A thunderstorm, also known as an electrical or lightning storm, produces lightning and significant audible effects in the atmosphere.
• These storms typically occur in warm, humid conditions and can result in heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds.
• Thunderstorms often develop in the afternoon or evening and can last from minutes to several hours.

Formation:

• Cumulus Stage: Solar heating causes the ground to warm, leading to rising air and the formation of a low-pressure area. This triggers the development of towering cumulonimbus clouds.
• Mature Stage: Characterized by strong updrafts, this stage sees the clouds grow larger and rain begins to fall as downdrafts occur.
• Dissipating Stage: Hail forms when temperatures drop below freezing, leading to substantial precipitation before the storm subsides and clear weather returns.

India’s New Post Office in Antarctica

Why in News?

Recently, the Department of Posts inaugurated a second post office branch at the Bharati research station in Antarctica, marking nearly four decades since the last establishment.
Letters sent to this post office will now utilize a new experimental PIN code, MH-1718, designed specifically for this branch.
India currently operates two active research stations in Antarctica: Maitri and Bharati.

What is the Significance of India’s Post Office in Antarctica?

Historical Context:

• India established its first post office in Antarctica at Dakshin Gangotri in 1984.
• The Dakshin Gangotri station was submerged in ice in 1988-89 and was subsequently decommissioned.

Continuing the Tradition:

• A new post office was set up at the Maitri research station on January 26, 1990.
• Both Antarctic research bases, Maitri and Bharati, are about 3,000 km apart but are managed under the Goa postal division.

Operational Process:

• Letters destined for Antarctica are first sent to the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa.
• A researcher carries these letters during scientific expeditions to Antarctica.
• Upon arrival at the research base, these letters are 'cancelled' and returned via post.
• 'Cancellation' signifies the marking on stamps or postal stationery, rendering them unusable for future mailings.

Strategic Presence:

• The establishment of an Indian post office in Antarctica serves a significant strategic purpose.
• Typically, post offices operate within national territories; however, the unique context of Antarctica, governed by the Antarctic Treaty, allows India to assert its presence.
• This initiative symbolizes India's dedication to scientific exploration and environmental responsibility.

Antarctica’s Governance:

• The Antarctic Treaty mitigates territorial claims, bans military operations and nuclear tests, and prioritizes scientific research.
• Having an Indian post office in Antarctica aligns with the spirit of the treaty.

What is India’s Antarctic Programme?

About:

• The Antarctic Programme is a scientific research initiative overseen by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCPOR), initiated in 1981 with India's first expedition.
• NCPOR was established in 1998 to facilitate these research efforts.

Dakshin Gangotri:

• This was India's inaugural scientific research station in Antarctica, established as part of the Antarctic Program.
• The station was lost to ice in 1988-89 and was decommissioned thereafter.

Maitri:

• Maitri serves as the second permanent research station in Antarctica, completed in 1989.
• It is located in the Schirmacher Oasis, a rocky mountainous area.
• A freshwater lake, Lake Priyadarshini, was also developed around the Maitri station.

Bharti:

• Bharti is India's most recent research station, operational since 2012.
• This facility is designed to enable researchers to work safely amid harsh weather conditions.
• It is situated approximately 3000 km east of Maitri.

Other Research Facilities

Sagar Nidhi:

• Commissioned in 2008, Sagar Nidhi is an ice-class vessel from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
• This vessel can navigate through ice up to 40 cm thick and is the first of its kind in India.
• It has been utilized for various research missions, including launching and retrieving remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and conducting tsunami studies.

What is the Antarctic Treaty System?

• The Antarctic Treaty System comprises various agreements that manage international relations in Antarctica.
• Its primary goal is to ensure that Antarctica remains a zone for peaceful pursuits, avoiding conflicts among nations.
• Over the past 50 years, it has exemplified international cooperation.
• These agreements are legally binding and tailored to address Antarctica's unique geographical, environmental, and political challenges, forming a solid governance framework for the region.

Challenges:

• While the Antarctic Treaty has effectively addressed numerous issues, the current landscape of the 2020s presents new challenges compared to the 1950s.
• Technological advancements and climate change have made Antarctica more accessible.
• More countries are now showing significant interest in the continent than the original twelve signatories.
• As global resources, particularly oil, become scarce, there is increasing speculation regarding nations' interests in Antarctic resources, such as fisheries and minerals.
• Consequently, signatories of the treaty, especially those with vested interests, must pay closer attention to its future.

Major International Agreements of the Treaty System:

• The 1959 Antarctic Treaty
• The 1972 Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals
• The 1980 Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
• The 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

Volcanic Vortex Rings

Why in News?

Mount Etna, recognized as the largest volcano in Europe and one of the most active volcanoes globally, has been producing nearly perfect rings of smoke, a phenomenon known as volcanic vortex rings. This occurrence is noteworthy and has garnered scientific interest.

What are Vortex Rings?

• Vortex rings are formed when gas, primarily water vapor, is expelled rapidly through a vent located in the volcano's crater.
• The circular shape of the vent contributes to the formation of these circular smoke rings.
• Historically, volcanic vortex rings were first documented at Mount Etna in 1724 and have since been observed at various volcanoes around the world.
• These rings can persist in the atmosphere for up to ten minutes; however, they are prone to disintegration in windy and turbulent conditions.

What are the Key Facts About Mount Etna?

• Mount Etna is classified as a stratovolcano, characterized by its composition of various layers of lava, ash, and rock that have built up over thousands of years due to eruptions.
• The summit of Mount Etna features five craters that are responsible for the majority of its eruptions, in addition to numerous lateral vents that can yield different eruption styles, including explosive, effusive, or mixed types.
• Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea, Mount Etna is a significant geological feature.
• With a continuous eruption history dating back to 1500 BC, it stands as one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
• In recognition of its geological importance and unique ecosystems, Mount Etna was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

Drought in East Flowing Rivers

Why in news?

Currently, there are at least 13 east-flowing rivers situated between the Mahanadi and Pennar that are experiencing a complete lack of water, as reported by the Central Water Commission (CWC).

What is the Crisis Faced by the East-Flowing Rivers in India?

Water Crisis in East-Flowing Rivers Basin:

• Thirteen rivers that flow towards the east between the Mahanadi and Pennar regions currently have no water.
• These rivers include Rushikulya, Bahuda, Vamsadhara, Nagavali, Sarada, Varaha, Tandava, Eluru, Gundlakamma, Tammileru, Musi, Paleru, and Munneru.
• These rivers flow through the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, draining directly into the Bay of Bengal.
• This year, the water storage in the basin has been decreasing continuously.
• On March 21st, the storage level reached zero, which is a drop from 32.28% of capacity at the same time last year.

• The Cauvery, Pennar, and the rivers that flow east from Pennar to Kanniyakumari are experiencing a shortage of water storage.
• The Ganga basin, which is the biggest basin in India, has water storage levels that are less than half of its full capacity, and this is lower than the same time last year.
• The river basins of Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Mahanadi, and Sabarmati also have recorded water storage levels compared to their total capacities.

•  The 150 major reservoirs in India hold only 36% of their total capacity for live water storage, and at least six reservoirs have no water at all. 
•  Approximately 286,000 villages across 11 states in the Ganga basin are facing a decrease in water supply. 
•  Overall, about 35.2% of the country's land is experiencing abnormal to exceptional drought conditions, with 7.8% facing extreme drought and 3.8% under exceptional drought. 
•  States like Karnataka and Telangana are dealing with drought and similar issues due to a lack of rainfall. 

 What are the Reasons for the Drying of East-Flowing Rivers?

• Deforestation and Soil Erosion: Deforestation along riverbanks and in catchment areas has diminished the soil's capacity to retain water, resulting in reduced groundwater recharge and diminished river flow.
• Climate Change: Altered weather patterns, including irregular rainfall and rising temperatures, are adversely impacting river flows. Climate change can contribute to prolonged droughts, which further reduces water levels in rivers.
• Construction of Dams: The building of dams and diversion of water for irrigation have decreased the natural flow of rivers, affecting their ecosystems and flow patterns.
• Water Pollution: Pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources, along with invasive species like water hyacinths, has degraded water quality, harming aquatic ecosystems.
• Sand Mining: Unregulated sand mining along riverbeds disrupts river flow and causes erosion, leading to further drying of river stretches.
• Urbanisation and Encroachment: Expansion of urban areas and encroachment along riverbanks have modified the natural flow of rivers and reduced available water.
• Lack of Awareness and Conservation Efforts: Limited understanding of river conservation importance and ineffective conservation measures contribute to the drying of these rivers.

What Measures are Necessary to Address the Issue of River Drying?

• Water Conservation Measures: Implementing techniques such as rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and soil moisture conservation can help replenish groundwater and reduce dependency on river water.
• Efficient Irrigation Practices: Promoting practices like drip and sprinkler irrigation among farmers can minimize water wastage and ensure sustainable usage of water resources.
• Afforestation and Vegetative Cover: Enhancing vegetative cover through afforestation and reforestation can sustain river flows by reducing erosion and increasing groundwater recharge.
• Regulation of Groundwater Extraction: Enforcing strict regulations on groundwater extraction can help preserve base flow in rivers and prevent further drying.
• Interlinking of Rivers: Assessing the feasibility of interlinking rivers to transfer surplus water from water-abundant regions to those lacking it can aid in maintaining river flows, as seen in projects like the Ken-Betwa River link.
• Community Participation: Engaging local communities in water management and conservation efforts can promote sustainable water usage and help maintain river flows.
• Policy Reforms: Implementing reforms to encourage sustainable water management practices and regulate water use is crucial for combating river drying.
• Research and Development: Investing in R&D for new technologies and practices in water conservation and management can provide innovative solutions to address these issues.

Conclusion

While many river basins are currently reported to have 'better than normal' or 'normal' storage levels compared to the last five years, it is vital to recognize that some areas face severe to exceptional drought conditions. This disparity is concerning due to its detrimental impact on agriculture, livelihoods, and the socio-economic stability of affected regions. Immediate and focused interventions are essential to alleviate the effects of drought and protect the welfare of impacted communities.

Solar Storms

Why in news?

Recent research indicates that the Sun's magnetic field originates about 32,000 kilometers beneath its surface, a shallower depth than previous estimates of over 209,000 kilometers. This finding could enhance our ability to predict solar cycles and forecast severe solar storms more accurately.

What are Solar Cycle, Sunspots and Solar Flares?

Solar Cycle:

• The solar cycle refers to the approximately 11-year cycle of the Sun’s magnetic field, during which its magnetic activity waxes and wanes.
• The Sun, composed of hot, electrically charged gas, generates a powerful magnetic field that goes through this cycle.
• Every 11 years, the Sun’s magnetic field completely flips, resulting in a switch of its north and south poles.
• This cycle affects the Sun's surface activity, including the formation of sunspots, which are visible manifestations of the Sun's magnetic fields.
• The solar cycle begins with a solar minimum, characterized by few sunspots, and progresses to a solar maximum, where sunspot numbers peak.

Sunspots:

• Sunspots appear dark on the Sun's surface due to being cooler areas created by exceptionally strong magnetic fields.
• The strong magnetic fields inhibit heat from reaching the surface, making these spots cooler than their surroundings.

Solar Flares:

• Solar flares are explosive bursts of energy that occur when magnetic field lines near the Sun tangle, cross, and reorganize.
• These flares emit significant amounts of radiation into space, which can disrupt radio communications on Earth.
• Solar flares are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive bubbles of radiation and particles that explode into space at high speeds.

What are Solar Storms?

About:

• Solar storms, also known as geomagnetic storms, occur when a large-scale magnetic eruption happens, typically involving a coronal mass ejection (CME) and an associated solar flare.
• This process accelerates charged particles in the solar atmosphere to extremely high velocities.

Movement Towards Earth:

• These accelerated particles travel toward Earth at speeds reaching about three million miles per hour.
• When a CME or high-speed solar stream reaches Earth, it interacts with the magnetosphere, compressing and agitating it.
• This interaction allows energetic solar wind particles to penetrate our atmosphere, particularly over the poles.
• Earth’s magnetosphere, created by its magnetic field, usually protects us from solar particle emissions.

Impacts of Solar Radiation Storms near Earth:

• When energetic protons collide with satellites or humans in space, they can penetrate deeply, causing damage to electronic circuits or biological DNA.
• During severe solar radiation storms, passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may face increased radiation exposure risks.
• Geomagnetic storms can also lead to the formation of auroras, known as the northern and southern lights.

Cyclone Remal

Why in News?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised alerts regarding a potentially severe cyclonic storm named Cyclone Remal, which is expected to affect the coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Key Insights About Cyclone Remal

• The storm is named 'Remal,' a name provided by Oman.
• This will be the first cyclone to strike the region during the pre-monsoon season of 2024.
• The term 'Remal' translates to 'sand' in Arabic.

• Cyclone Remal has originated from the central Bay of Bengal (BoB).

• A depression, characterized by low pressure and circulating winds, has formed over the central Bay of Bengal, which is the starting point for Cyclone Remal.
• The Bay of Bengal is experiencing water temperatures that are 2-3°C above average, which provides the necessary energy for cyclone formation and intensification.
• The Madden Julian Oscillation, a band of clouds moving eastward, along with warm ocean waters and wind patterns, is currently situated south of the Bay of Bengal, influencing cyclone initiation through their rotational effects.

Potential Impact:

• If the cyclone makes landfall on the Indian coast during a high tide, it could significantly affect the Sundarbans region, leading to considerable damage to its fragile ecosystem.
• The unique funnel-shaped geography and shallow bathymetry of the northern Bay of Bengal may enhance the cyclone's intensity as it approaches land, increasing the likelihood of storm surges and flooding.

• This cyclone alert comes around the anniversaries of notable past cyclones, such as Yaas (2021), Amphan (2020), Cyclone Fani (2019), and Aila (2009), all of which inflicted severe damage in the Sundarbans and other areas of West Bengal.
• Local communities and disaster management authorities are leveraging lessons learned from these past events to enhance their preparedness and mitigate the potential impacts of Cyclone Remal.