Category: Science

As I was reading the book “The Midnight Library“, I came across something called pulsating glaciers. I have heard of glaciers, but not pulsating glaciers. Glaciers are enormous masses of ice that move slowly over land. They form from layers of snow that compress into ice over many years. Most glaciers flow steadily. However, some glaciers behave differently from normal glaciers. They pulse.

Pulsating glaciers, also called surging glaciers, have a unique pattern of movement. Pulsating glaciers alternate between two states. Most of the time, they move slowly or stay almost stationary. Then, suddenly, they surge forward rapidly, covering large distances in a short time. It might move up to tens of meters per day instead of just centimeters. This surge can happen over months or even just weeks.

How do they form?

The process behind pulsating glaciers involves two main phases, like the cyclical pattern.

Quiescent Phase: During this phase, the glacier builds up ice and snow. It might appear inactive, but beneath the surface, stress and pressure are accumulating.

Surge Phase: Pressure builds up internally until the ice becomes unstable. The glacier suddenly moved forward. After the surge ends, the glacier returns to a slower mode. It rebuilds mass for decades until the cycle repeats.

Why do they pulse?

The behavior of pulsating glaciers is complex. It is due to several factors.

Internal Ice Deformation: Ice deep within the glacier may distort, allowing the glacier to move.

Melting water: Water from the glacier can act as a lubricant, making it easier for the glacier to slide.

Sediments: Loose sediments or dirt under the glacier can also help it move quickly during a surge.

Other factors like bed topography, water supply, glacier geometry, and debris cover may also play a role in a cyclical surge.

Where do they occur?

Pulsating glaciers are relatively rare. They make up only a small fraction of glaciers globally. But they cluster in specific regions like Alaska (Variegated Glacier), Canada (Menyanthes Glacier), Svalbard, the Pamirs Mountain range, and even the Karakorum range (Lets explore them later).

Methods to study pulsating glaciers

Satellite imagery: Gives a broad overview and monitors changes over time.

Filed Observations: Scientists conduct field observations on glaciers in order to track and measure their movements.

GPS, drones (for precise data), and seismographs (for detecting ice quakes within the glacier) are all used.

Climate Change and Pulsating Glaciers

With rise in temperature and global warming, there are incidents of change in weather patterns. Climate change has made pulsating glacier behavior more relevant. As the world warms, many glaciers recede and lose mass overall. Surge-type glaciers in some cold environments appear to have become more unstable and surging in recent decades. Some of the reasons include,

Increased Meltwater: As the glacier melts, more water accumulates at its base, potentially triggering surges

Permafrost: Melting permafrost can disrupt glacier beds. This allows the rapid movement of glaciers during surge phases.

The Impact

Landscape Transformation: Rapid surges reshape valleys. They create new landforms like mountains and outwash plains.

Water Systems: Surging glaciers can block rivers, forming temporary lakes that might burst and cause downstream flooding.

Ecosystems: Changes in glacier behavior can the ecosystems. It affects both local flora and fauna, disturbing the normal.

Flood Risks: Sudden surges and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) can damage the banks, people and infrastructure.

Water Resources: Glaciers are a vital source of freshwater. This change of behavior can impact the availability of water for agriculture and drinking.

We can reduce the emissions. Additionally, implementing the monitoring systems and early warning systems for GLOFs can protect communities around the glaciers.

Pulsating glaciers are a fascinating aspect of our planet’s ice systems. As technology advances, we will continue to uncover the mysteries behind these incredible natural phenomena. Moreover, we have to be conscious of our actions making sure that we are not accelerating the melting of glaciers.

Cheers

PS: Glaciers have names!

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Have you heard of the domino effect? It’s a series of events where each event triggers the next, creating a cascading impact. This morning, I read a story on social media about the structure, or “doll,” of a dugong. Curious, I discovered that a dugong is a sea cow, celebrated today for its ecological importance. Questions arose: What exactly is a dugong? Is it a mammal? How is it related to elephants? What does it eat? Why is it endangered? And how does climate change affect it? Let’s explore.

#What is a dugong?

Dugongs, often called sea cows. They are marine mammals that play an important role in maintaining the health of their habitats. They roam around the shallow coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans for millions of years. Unfortunately, climate change poses significant threats to their survival. Dugongs are classified as vulnerable, meaning they are at high risk of facing extinction.

#Why is it called a sea cow?

Dugongs are called sea cows because, like cows, they graze on plants—in this case, seagrass. Using their bristly lips, they uproot and eat seagrass, resembling cows grazing in a field. A mature dugong can reach 3 meters in length and weigh up to 400 kg, making them one of the largest marine herbivores. An interesting fact is that early explorers saw these grazing giants, and, well, they looked like cows in the sea. This catchy nickname stuck, with “sea cow” and the French “vache marine.”

#History and Evolution

Dugongs have a rich history, with fossil records showing they’ve inhabited our oceans for over 40 million years. They evolved from terrestrial, plant-eating mammals, adapting to a semi-aquatic lifestyle over time. Dugongs belong to the order Sirenia, which also includes manatees. They share a common ancestor with elephants. Unlike whales, which evolved from terrestrial carnivores, dugongs and other sirenians evolved from herbivorous ancestors.

#Relationship to Elephants

Dugongs and elephants have a common ancestor. They share similarities in their tooth structures and skeletal systems. Both have a streamlined body adapted for their respective environments—coastal waters for dugongs and land for elephants. This close evolutionary relationship is fascinating and highlights the unique adaptations each species has developed over millions of years

#Habitat and Distribution

The Indo-West Pacific region’s warm coastal waters are home to dugongs. They are mostly found in Australia’s shallow waters, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Queensland coast. They feed mainly on seagrass. It is abundant in sheltered bays, mangrove channels, and the waters surrounding islands.

#Adaptations and physical characteristics

Since they eat plants, you might wonder if they might be ruminants. No, they have a simple digestive system. They have a single-chambered stomach and a long, coiled intestine. Their digestive process relies on the fermentation of plant material by gut microbes. Similar to horses and other hindgut fermenters.

They breathe through nostrils located on the top of their snout. This allows them to surface and take breaths without exposing their entire body. They can hold it up for 6 minutes. They have efficient respiratory systems and a high tolerance for low oxygen levels. This allows them to remain submerged for extended periods while feeding on seagrass beds.

#Diet and ecological role.

Dugongs feed almost exclusively on seagrass, making them an essential component of their ecosystem. Seagrass isn’t a grassy weed; it’s a flowering plant. It supports a wide range of marine life. By grazing on these plants, dugongs help maintain the health of seagrass meadows, which in turn support fish, crustaceans, and other marine species.

#Seagrass and climate change

Seagrass meadows are critical not only for dugongs but also for combating climate change. They are not grasses instead a flowering plant. These underwater plants sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, acting as carbon sinks. Unlike land plants that release carbon upon decomposition, seagrass meadows create oxygen-poor environments where decomposers struggle.

This slow breakdown allows dead seagrass and captured carbon to be buried beneath sediment layers, locking away carbon for years. Seagrass ecosystems can sequester carbon at a rate up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, making them vital for both climate regulation and ecosystem health.

However, human activities and the impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and coastal development, threaten seagrass meadows. Consequently, dugongs face the dual threat of habitat loss and reduced food availability.

#Conservation Efforts and Organizations

Numerous organizations are working to protect dugongs and their habitats. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) lists dugongs to prevent their trade. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) also run various initiatives to conserve dugong populations and their seagrass habitats.

These initiatives include establishing protected marine areas, researching seagrass restoration techniques, and raising public awareness. Every year, on May 28th, we celebrate International Dugong Day to highlight these efforts and the importance of protecting these gentle sea cows.

In a nutshell, our actions on land ripple through the ocean, causing a chain reaction that threatens dugongs. Coastal development, pollution, and climate change are pushing these gentle giants toward extinction. To break this cycle and protect dugongs, we need to be more mindful of our environmental impact and work together to preserve their underwater homes. Saving the dugongs means taking better care of our planet, benefiting us all.

Cheers!

PS: World Dugong day!

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Ever heard of the “poverty loop” in Development Economics? It is called the vicious cycle of poverty. It’s like a tricky maze where low income sets off a chain reaction. Less money means fewer savings and demand, leading to a shortage of cash for investments. With a deficit in capital, productivity takes a hit, and we find ourselves back in the realm of low real income. It’s a bit like a never-ending cycle.

But I won’t bore you with the nitty-gritty details. Instead, let’s compare this concept to something more interesting. Life often resembles a complex puzzle where the pieces of our health and finances interlock in intricate ways. This complicated connection forms a challenging cycle, a loop where the ups and downs of one thing can influence and intensify another.

It’s interesting how our life goals evolve as we journey through different ages. In our younger days, passions often shape our aspirations, but there comes a point when a significant shift occurs, and staying healthy takes center stage. Perhaps the seismic events of the COVID era triggered a collective awakening, steering our priorities towards well-being. I’m no exception to this trend. Everywhere you look, even on social media, there’s a surge of people dedicating themselves to health—hitting the gym, embracing fitness routines, and making conscious choices for a healthier lifestyle.

The saying “when health is lost, everything is lost” encapsulates a universal truth: at our core, all we desire is good health. It’s a testament to the growing realization that good health isn’t just a goal; it’s a foundation for a fulfilling and resilient life, especially in a world that constantly reminds us of the importance of wellness.

However, in the complexities of the modern world, maintaining health hasn’t become a singular pursuit, but intricately woven with financial well-being and even the fluctuating prices of groceries. Instead of a straightforward path to well-being, it often feels like navigating a vicious cycle, where the challenges in one aspect loop back and impact the others.

Let’s break it down in a more fun way. Imagine our meals are like those of good people: nutritious foods, proteins, veggies, fruits, and nuts. They’re the ninja squad that keeps our health, especially our gut microbiome, in tip-top shape. This powerhouse crew doesn’t just stop there; they’re the secret agents behind good health, a stronger immune system, mindful sleep and even a happy tummy and mind. Additionally, there is an increase in our productivity, focus, and earning potential.

A key piece is missing from this game or equation: the rising prices of groceries. The cheaper, processed options, loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, start looking really tempting. and consumption of fast food is prevalent in our daily routines, irrespective of the cost. It’s a bit like choosing a wallet-friendly option that goes for instant noodles over a meal with a couple of veggies or wholesome veggie-packed kichadi. It’s like having to decide between your taste buds and your budget, and sometimes the pocket-friendly choice isn’t the healthiest one.

I’m not here to argue about which food is the absolute best in terms of health or taste because, honestly, it’s all about personal preferences and body conditions. However, this subjective decision-making can set off a troublesome cycle of making not-so-great dietary choices, throwing our gut balance out of whack, and causing additional health issues.

It’s like a domino effect, where every move sets off another and they can unintentionally guide us towards less healthy choices, creating a cycle that just keeps on going.

Breaking this cycle is not a one-and-done task; it’s more of a journey. The first step is recognizing how health, finances, and gut health are all interconnected, it’s like untangling a complex web. This requires personal commitment, teamwork, and a steady focus on both health and financial stability. It’s all about the journey towards a healthier and wealthier tomorrow.

Cheers

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