GLACIER MELTING

GLACIER MELTING 

 The accumulation of snowfall over time results in a massive mass of ice known as a glacier. They form at places with very low temperatures, such as the ocean floor and, more often, the summits of mountains. Glacier melting, in which the ice transforms from solid into liquid or water, happens as a result of changes in heat, particularly at quite high temperatures. Recently, scientists have seen glaciers melting at an unprecedented pace. So although glaciers are thought to provide the majority of the world's fresh water, the rapidity with which their ice is melting and subsequently flowing into the ocean is a cause for alarm. Scientists predict that now the globe is rapidly losing its ice due to the rapid melting of glaciers, which has a wide-ranging impact including major floods and the loss of biodiversity. Causes of Melting Ice Glaciers 

  1. Burning of fossil fuels The accumulation of green house gases due to the utilization of fossil fuels had influenced the warming trend due to the fact that these gases trap heat within the atmosphere. As global temperatures rise, yet more glaciers melt, revealing the soil underneath.

  2. Oil and gas drilling Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is released throughout the oil extraction process as well. In addition, the gas is much worse for the world than carbon dioxide, since it is able to more effectively trap heat, which in turn accelerates global warming. The extraction of oil, gas, and coal from public lands accounts for 21 percent of the United States' greenhouse gas emissions, including methane. 

  3. Deforestation Trees serve a crucial purpose in maintaining ecological harmony and in reducing global temperatures. They may be the reason why the Earth has natural fans. Deforestation, ostensibly to make room for human activity, has been shown to have a negative impact on ecological harmony.

  4. Ice breaking ships In the summer, icebreakers go north into Arctic Ocean, where they break through the ice and leave behind open water. As a result of its ability to reflect sunlight, Arctic sea ice plays an important role in maintaining a cold climate in the Arctic and across the Northern Hemisphere. 

 Effects of Melting Ice Glaciers 

  1. Shortage of electricity Melting glaciers are the only source of water for power generation in many parts of the planet. The generation of power is dependent on the steady flow of water, thus reducing or halting that flow will have the same effect. Without electricity, people in the contemporary world would have to turn to other methods of power generation, some of which may worsen environmental pollution and global warming. 

  2. Extreme flooding A rapid thawing of the ice glaciers at higher elevations has resulted in a dramatic increase in the flow of water into rivers, lakes, and the ocean. New, ever-expanding lakes might form as a result of the surplus water. 

3. Biodiversity loss and animals losing homes Many species of life depend critically on glaciers for their survival. The blue bear is one such creature that can't go about its daily life without the chilly temps. 

    4. Coral Reefs will disappear The photosynthesis procedure is essential for the continued existence of coral reefs. When glaciers melt, they release water, which will cover the coral reefs and prevent them from receiving enough sunlight to survive

5. Recontamination of the environment Since DDT and similar pesticides were globally prohibited many years ago, it's possible that many modern people have never heard of them. Many of these chemical pollutants and pesticides, according to the research, were dispersed into the air and ended up being deposited in the cold regions where glaciers form, where they remained stuck for a while. These pollutants have been released back into the environment and water sources due to the fast melting of glaciers. 6. The economic costs of melting ice glaciers affect the whole world The effects of glaciers have not been localised to a single region, but rather may be seen all across the world. The rapid melting of ice glaciers has devastating repercussions on every continent, including floods and other calamities that need massive financial resources to manage. The rapid melting of glaciers owing to the accelerating pace of global warming is the worst aspect.