Mediterranean Black Carbon may be polluting Himalayas

Mediterranean Black Carbon may be polluting Himalayas

News

1. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) has studied the impact of black carbon on Himalayas recently.

Important facts

2. The study revealed that black carbon coming from Mediterranean countries during the western disturbance may be one of the factors in diminishing snowfall in the region.
3. Black Carbon

• It is formed through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, Bio-fuel etc.
• It has an adverse effect on human health and decreases the Earth’s ability to reflect the warming rays of the Sun

4. Western disturbance

It is an extra tropical storm originating from the Mediterranean region that brings sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent.

5. Study

• Data of carbon concentration between January to December 2016 has been taken from Gangotri glacier valley shows high even in winter months.
• In the month of January and February, there are no human intervention and absence of local factor in this region due to cold, but the study shows, during this time, data of carbon concentration is 4th and 5th highest in 12 months.
• This shows that black carbon aerosols were being transported during Western Disturbances and wind projections.

6. Effects in region

• Aerosols like black carbon have been recognized as the second most important anthropogenic agent for climate change.
• The primary factor for adverse health effects is air pollution
• Decreased snow covers area in the region, resulting in lowered albedo which enhances warming in the region. Decreased snow has also led to disappearance of valuable medical herbs in the region.