Geography related articles in News

Source: This post on Lake Erie has been created based on the article “Researchers in a lab near Lake Erie study how toxic algae can damage health” published in Indian Express on 25th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, It has been found that Lake Erie, particularly in the western basin is prone to harmful algal blooms.

About Lake Erie

1. Lake Erie is one of North America’s Great Lakes situated on the border between the United States and Canada.

2. It is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and the smallest by volume, making it the shallowest of the five lakes.

3. The lake is bordered by the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York in the U.S., and the province of Ontario in Canada.

4. Geographical Features

i) Lake Erie has a surface area of about 9,910 square miles (25,700 square kilometers) and an average depth of around 62 feet (19 meters).

ii) The lake is known for its distinctive, relatively warm waters, which can reach temperatures suitable for swimming in summer. The lake’s shallow nature contributes to its quicker warming and cooling compared to other Great Lakes.

iii) The lake supports a diverse ecosystem, including various fish species like walleye, perch, and bass. It also serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

5. Threat: The ecosystem has faced challenges, including pollution, invasive species, and algal blooms, which have raised concerns about water quality and biodiversity.

6. Economic Importance

i) Lake Erie plays a vital role in the regional economy. It supports commercial fishing, tourism, and shipping, with several major ports along its shores, including Cleveland, Toledo, and Erie, Pennsylvania.

ii) The lake’s waters are also used for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming, attracting visitors from nearby urban areas.

7. Cultural Significance

The lake has a rich cultural history, with Indigenous peoples living in the region for thousands of years. It has been a site for various historical events, including significant naval battles during the War of 1812.

UPSC Syllabus: Geographical places in news

Source: This post on Twilight Zone in the ocean has been created based on the article “Visitors from the Ocean’s Twilight Zone” published in Indian Express on 18th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recent evidence suggests that there are more animals in Twilight Zone of the ocean by weight than in all of the world’s fisheries combined.

About Twilight Zone in the ocean

1. The Twilight Zone in the ocean is a fascinating layer of the marine environment that lies between the Epipelagic Zone (sunlit surface waters) and the Bathypelagic Zone (deeper, darker waters). It is also known as Mesopelagic Zone .

2. It extends from approximately 200 meters to 1,000 meters below the ocean’s surface. In this zone, sunlight is minimal and insufficient for photosynthesis, creating a dimly lit, shadowy realm, hence the name “twilight.”

Characteristics of the Twilight Zone

1. Light Penetration: Very little sunlight reaches the Twilight Zone, which gradually diminishes as depth increases. While it is not completely dark, the low light levels make it impossible for photosynthetic organisms to survive.

2. Temperature and Pressure: Temperatures in the Twilight Zone are significantly cooler than at the surface, often ranging from 4°C to 20°C. Pressure increases drastically with depth, which plays a role in the adaptation of organisms living here.

3. Oxygen Levels: The oxygen concentration in this zone is relatively low, especially at deeper levels, creating a challenge for marine life that must adapt to low-oxygen environments.

4. Marine Life: Despite the low light and harsh conditions, the Twilight Zone is home to a wide array of organisms.

Many species, including lanternfish, bristle mouths, squids, jellyfish, and zooplankton have evolved to survive in this environment.

Some animals are bioluminescent, producing light through chemical reactions in their bodies. This ability is crucial for communication, predation, and camouflage in the dim light of the Twilight Zone.

5. Diel Vertical Migration: One of the most remarkable phenomena in the Twilight Zone is the diel vertical migration, where vast numbers of creatures travel from the depths to the surface at night to feed, returning to the Twilight Zone by day to avoid predators.

6. Role in the Carbon Cycle: The Twilight Zone plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Marine organisms, particularly zooplankton and small fish, feed on phytoplankton from the surface waters and transport carbon to deeper layers of the ocean when they excrete waste or die and sink.

Importance and Research:

1. The Twilight Zone is increasingly recognized for its importance in marine ecosystems and climate regulation.

2. Scientists are keen to understand how it functions as a carbon sink, helping mitigate the effects of climate change.

However, it is also under pressure from deep-sea fishing and climate change, making its preservation a growing concern for marine biologists.

UPSC Syllabus: Geography in news, Environment

Source: This post on Roopkund Lake has been created based on the article “Uttarakhand’s ‘skeleton lake’ Roopkund shrinking due to climate change?” published in Times of India on 17^th October 2024.

Why in news?

Climate change is leading to the annual shrinking of Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand.

About Roopkund Lake

1. Location: Roopkund Lake is situated at an altitude of approximately 5,029 meters (16,499 feet) in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, within the Himalayas.

2. The lake is commonly referred to as the “Skeleton Lake” due to the hundreds of ancient human skeletons found around its edges.

3. Roopkund is a shallow, high-altitude lake, typically around 2 meters (6.5 feet) deep, although its size fluctuates with seasonal melting and freezing.

4. Roopkund is a glacial lake, meaning it was formed by glacial activities, with crystal-clear water revealing the bones during the summer months when the ice melts.

5. The skeletal remains around Roopkund Lake date back to the 9th century CE, believed to be from a group of travelers or pilgrims. Studies suggest they died due to a sudden hailstorm.

6. The lake’s mysterious skeletons were first reported by a forest ranger in 1942, which led to various studies and speculations about their origins.

7.  Recent DNA analysis has shown that the skeletons belong to two distinct groups: one with ancestry similar to people from South Asia, and the other group likely from the Mediterranean region.

8. Geo-chemical analysis of the lake’s boulders offers insights into weather extremes from thousands of years ago, making it a valuable source of historical and climatic information that should be preserved.

9. Cultural Significance: The lake holds cultural importance for the local communities, who believe it is associated with Goddess Nanda Devi. A Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage occurs every 12 years, during which devotees travel through this region.

UPSC Syllabus: Geography 

Source: This post on Mount Adams has been created based on the article “Is Mount Adams going to erupt after thousands of years of dormancy?”  published in Times Travel on 16^th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, Mount Adams has shown an increase in seismic activity after being dormant for thousands of years.

About Mount Adams

1. About: It is a stratovolcano, although it is currently dormant. The last significant eruption occurred about 1,000 years ago.

2. Location: Mount Adams is located in the Cascade Range in Washington, USA. It is approximately 31 miles (50 km) east of Mount St. Helens and 55 miles (89 km) north of the Columbia River.

3. Elevation: It is standing at 12,281 feet (3,743 meters). Mount Adams is the second-highest peak in Washington State, after Mount Rainier.

4. Geological Composition: Mount Adams is primarily composed of andesite and basaltic andesite lava flows, making it one of the largest stratovolcanoes in the Cascades by volume.

5. Glaciers: The mountain has several glaciers, including the Adams Glacier on the north side, which is the largest. Other glaciers include the White Salmon Glacier, Avalanche Glacier, and Klickitat Glacier.

6. Flora and Fauna: The area surrounding Mount Adams is part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and supports diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and various bird species. The forest also features a mix of subalpine and alpine vegetation.

7. Climate: The climate around Mount Adams varies with elevation. The lower slopes have a more temperate climate, while the higher altitudes experience heavy snowfall in winter and cooler temperatures year-round.

8. Cultural Significance: Mount Adams is known as Pahto or Klickitat by local Native American tribes, who regard it as a sacred mountain. It holds cultural and spiritual significance for tribes such as the Yakama Nation.

UPSC Syllabus: World geography 

Source: This post on Status of Renewable energy in India has been created based on the article “India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Hits 200 GW Milestone” published in PIB on 15th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, India has achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, as the country’s total renewable energy capacity surpassed the 200 GW (gigawatt).

Status of Renewable energy in India

1. Total renewable energy capacity surpassed 200 GW. Current renewable capacity stands at 201.45 GW.

2. Proportion of Renewable Energy: Renewable energy constitutes 46.3% of India’s total electricity generation capacity, which is 452.69 GW.

3. Sources of Renewable Energy:

4. Leading States in Renewable Capacity:

Rajasthan: 29.98 GW
Gujarat: 29.52 GW
Tamil Nadu: 23.70 GW
Karnataka: 22.37 GW

5. Government Initiatives: Target of 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030. Key programs include National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)** schemes for solar PV modules.

6. Investment and Infrastructure: 100% Foreign Direct Investment allowed under the automatic route. Waiver of Inter-State Transmission System charges for specific projects until designated deadlines. Establishment of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks for large-scale projects.

7. Regulatory Framework: Issued Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 for net metering. Also, launched Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022 to promote renewable energy. Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding.

UPSC Syllabus: Geography 

Source: The post on Negro River is based on the article “Drought has dried an Amazon River tributary to its lowest level in 122 years” published in “The Canadian Press” on 7th October 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Negro River at the port of Manaus measured 12.66 meters, significantly below the typical level of around 21 meters. A severe drought has caused this tributary to reach its lowest level in 122 years.

About Negro River

1. The Negro River, or Rio Negro is one of the major tributaries of the Amazon River and the largest blackwater river in the world.

2. It flows primarily through Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.

3. Source: The Negro River originates from the highlands of Colombia and Venezuela. It begins as the Guainía River in Colombia and flows eastward into Brazil, where it becomes known as the Negro River.

4. It is approximately 2,250 kilometers (1,400 miles) long, making it one of the longest tributaries of the Amazon.

5. The water in the Negro River is dark due to the high concentration of organic matter from decaying vegetation, which leaches tannins into the water, giving it a tea-like color.

6. The Negro River meets the Amazon River near the Brazilian city of Manaus. This confluence creates the famous Meeting of Waters, where the dark waters of the Negro and the sandy-colored waters of the Amazon flow side by side for several kilometers before eventually mixing.

7. Biodiversity: The Negro River basin is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species, including pink river dolphins, giant otters, and numerous species of fish, many of which are found only in this ecosystem.

8. Human Settlements: Indigenous communities have lived along the Negro River for thousands of years. Today, cities such as Manaus are significant urban centers on its banks.

UPSC Syllabus: World geography 

Source – This post on Taiwan Strait is based on the article “Japan warship asserts right to sail through Taiwan Strait” published in The Hindu on 27th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, a Japanese warship Sazanami destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time asserting its right to freedom of navigation.

About Taiwan Strait

1. Location: The Taiwan Strait is a narrow body of water located in East Asia, separating the island of Taiwan from mainland China.

2. It connects two major seas: The East China Sea to the north and the South China Sea to the south, making it a strategically vital waterway.

3. Size: The Taiwan Strait is about 180 kilometres (110 miles) wide at its narrowest point between Taiwan and the southeastern coast of mainland China.

The strait stretches approximately 355 kilometres (220 miles) from north to south.

4. Boundaries and Neighbouring Regions:

a) To the East: Taiwan Island, which includes major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung along its coast.

b) To the West: The southeastern coast of mainland China, particularly the Fujian Province. Major Chinese cities near the strait include Fuzhou and Xiamen.

c) To the North: The East China Sea is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean, lies to the north of the Taiwan Strait, forming part of the boundary with Japan.

d) To the South: The South China Sea is a heavily trafficked region for global shipping routes, connects with the Taiwan Strait to the south.

5. Oceanographic Characteristic: It is influenced by the Kuroshio Current, which flows northward along the east coast of Taiwan, contributing to the area’s maritime climate and ocean dynamics.

6. Climate: The Taiwan Strait experiences a subtropical climate with seasonal monsoons affecting the region. Typhoons are common during the summer months, posing risks to maritime navigation.

7. Geopolitical Importance: The Taiwan Strait is crucial for global shipping, and conflict in this area could severely impact international trade, especially in industries like semiconductors where Taiwan is a key player.

8. Strategic Importance: Over 40% of global maritime trade passes through the region, making it a vital choke point. Also, Taiwan’s role in the global semiconductor industry further underscores the region’s stability as essential to the global economy.

UPSC Syllabus: World Geography

Source- This post on Rapa Nui is based on the article “Rapa Nui genomes restore the real history of an old, troubled people” published in The Hindu on 18th September 2024.

Why in News?

Studying Indigenous genomes reveals vital insights into population history, ecological adaptations, and human migration. Research on Rapa Nui genomes, for instance, helps debunk harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous communities, showing how science can challenge derogatory myths.

About Rapa Nui Island

UPSC Syllabus: World Geography

Source: This post has been created based on the article “How changes in the level of Arctic Sea ice can change monsoon patterns in India”, published in The Hindu on 9^th Sep 2024.

What is the news?

Recent research has shown that fluctuations in Arctic sea ice levels are affecting the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR), making it more erratic and unpredictable.

About Study

Recently, a study has been published in the journal Remote Sensing of Environment in June.

Participants: Researchers from India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and South Korea’s Korea Polar Research Institute.

Key Findings of the Study

Atmospheric Circulations: Changes in Arctic Sea ice impact large-scale atmospheric patterns such as the Rossby waves and Asian jet streams, which affect the distribution and intensity of monsoon rains.

Influence of Arctic Sea Ice: Reduced central Arctic Sea ice leads to lower rainfall in western and peninsular India but higher rainfall in central and northern India. Meanwhile, reduced sea ice in the upper latitudes like Barents-Kara Sea region delays the onset of the monsoon, making it more unpredictable.

Climate Change’s Role: The reduction of Arctic Sea ice due to climate change exacerbates these fluctuations, leading to severe droughts in some areas while causing excessive rainfall and flooding in others.

What are Rosby Waves?

Rossby waves are large-scale atmospheric waves that primarily occur in the mid-latitudes of the Earth’s atmosphere. These are also known as planetary waves.

These waves form in the jet streams—the high-altitude air currents that flow from west to east around the planet. Their meandering patterns influence the weather across regions in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

These waves are most active in regions where there is a significant temperature difference between the equator and the poles, shaping weather patterns and influencing temperature extremes and precipitation levels worldwide.

Significance: They help balance the distribution of heat across the planet, ensuring that polar regions do not become too cold and equatorial regions do not overheat.

Source: The post on Why Global Models Got La Niña Predictions Wrong and Its Impact is based on the article “Why global models went wrong with their La Niña predictions — and what its delay means” published in Indian express on 7th September 24.

What is the News?

Nearly all major global weather agencies had forecasted the onset of La Niña by July 2024. However, the delay in its arrival has rendered the prediction inaccurate.

About El Nino and La Nina

Reasons for Prediction Errors:

1. Weak La Niña phases are more difficult for weather models to detect than stronger events.

2. Other atmospheric factors, such as inter-seasonal variability and the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), added complexity and made predictions harder.

Current Situation: As of September, ENSO-neutral conditions prevail, and La Niña is expected to emerge by late September or early October. La Niña is predicted to peak in November 2024 and last through the winter in the northern hemisphere.

Impact of La Niña Delay on India’s Monsoon

1. La Niña typically enhances the southwest monsoon in India (June to September), but the delay means it won’t directly influence this season’s rainfall.

2. Other factors also contribute to a robust monsoon, with India recording 16% surplus rainfall in August and the IMD forecasting 109% above-normal rainfall in September.

3. India has received 8% more rainfall than usual for the season, though regional variations persist, with deficient rainfall in the east and northeast, and surplus rainfall in central and southern India.

4. La Niña’s influence could extend to the northeast monsoon (October-December), but it generally doesn’t favor enhanced rainfall during this period.

5. Regions like Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala may experience normal or lower rainfall, though there have been exceptions in the past.

UPSC Syllabus: World Geography