Suppose there is a rise in atmospheric temperature on Earth. Class 9

Suppose there is a rise in atmospheric temperature on Earth. Class 9

Question 1.

Suppose there is a rise in atmospheric temperature on Earth. How would this affect the cryosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere? Class 9

Answer:

Effect on Cryosphere (Ice and Snow):

1. Rising temperature would accelerate melting of Himalayan glaciers, polar ice caps and snow in regions like Ladakh.
2. The cryosphere would shrink significantly over time.
3. Permafrost (permanently frozen ground) would begin to thaw, releasing trapped methane — a powerful greenhouse gas.

Effect on Hydrosphere (Water Bodies):

1. Melting glaciers would add more water to rivers, temporarily increasing their flow but eventually reducing it as glaciers disappear.
2. Sea levels would rise, threatening low-lying coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai with flooding.
3. Warmer ocean water would increase evaporation, causing more intense rainfall in some areas and droughts in others.
4. Ocean water would become more acidic as it absorbs excess CO₂ harming marine ecosystems.

Effect on Biosphere (Living Organisms):

1. Rising temperatures would cause habitat loss for many species, leading to decline in biodiversity.
2. Coral reefs would undergo bleaching and destruction due to warmer and more acidic oceans.
3. Changes in rainfall patterns would threaten agriculture, affecting food security for millions.
4. Many species unable to adapt to rapid temperature changes would face extinction.
5. Coastal ecosystems like mangroves would be destroyed by rising sea levels.