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As green patch spreads in Antarctica, here’s what is worrying scientists

  • October 11, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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As green patch spreads in Antarctica, here’s what is worrying scientists

Sub: Env

Sec: Climate change

Context:

  • Plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula, a mountainous extension of Antarctica, has increased more than 10 times in recent decades due to rising temperatures.
  • The study, Sustained greening of the Antarctic Peninsula observed from satellites, published in Nature Geoscience, shows a dramatic transformation.

How Fast is Antarctica Warming?

  • Warming Rate:
    • Antarctica is warming twice as fast as the global average (0.22-0.32°C per decade).
    • The Antarctic Peninsula is warming five times faster than the global average.
    • Since 1950, the Antarctic Peninsula has warmed by almost 3°C.
  • Record Heat:
    • The continent has experienced record-breaking heatwaves, particularly during its winter (northern hemisphere summer).
    • In July 2024, ground temperatures were 10°C higher than normal and up to 28°C higher on certain days.
    • In March 2022, East Antarctica experienced an extreme heatwave with temperatures 39°C above normal.

Key Findings of the Study

  • Vegetation Growth:
    • Satellite data shows a 14-fold increase in vegetation on the Antarctic Peninsula between 1986 and 2021.
    • Plant cover (mainly mosses and lichens) expanded from less than 1 sq km to almost 12 sq km in 35 years.
    • The rate of greening has accelerated by more than 30% between 2016 and 2021.
    • Researchers attribute this rapid transformation to anthropogenic climate change.
  • Sea Ice Reduction:
    • The extent of sea ice is rapidly decreasing. In 2024, it was the second smallest on record, only slightly higher than the record low in 2023.
    • Warmer open seas are likely creating wetter conditions that support plant growth.

Concerns About Increased Vegetation in Antarctica:

  • Invasive Species Risk:
    • Mosses can create soils, making the continent more vulnerable to invasive species, which could threaten native flora and fauna.
    • Human visitors (eco-tourists, scientists) could unintentionally introduce non-native species.
  • Impact on Sunlight Reflection:
    • Increased plant cover could reduce Antarctica’s ability to reflect sunlight (albedo effect), leading to more heat absorption and further warming.
  • Ice Loss and Sea Level Rise:
    • Antarctica has lost 280% more ice in the 2000s and 2010s compared to the 1980s and 1990s.
    • Rising temperatures will accelerate ice loss, contributing to global sea level rise.
  • Future Outlook:
    • As greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere, warming will persist, and vegetation in Antarctica is expected to increase further.

Source: IE

As green patch spreads in Antarctica Environment

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