ICSE Class 9 Answered

The main effects of global warming are:

Melting of snow and the rise in sea level: Global warming has raised the temperature of the Earth which has resulted in the melting of glaciers and consequently a rise in the sea level. Rise in sea level results in:

• Coastal erosion
• Coastal flooding
• Threat to coastal structures
• Increase in the salinity of the estuaries and aquifers.

   

Change in the pattern of precipitation: Warming of the atmosphere increases the rate of evaporation and subsequently the moisture carrying capacity of the winds. The warming of the troposphere and the cooling down of the stratosphere will influence the pattern of precipitation over vast regions. This may result in the increased level of rainfall in the higher latitudes during the summers and the winters. During winters however, the rainfall may decrease at areas of lower latitudes.

Imbalance in radiation 

Life is possible on the Earth due to the balance maintained between the incoming and outgoing radiation of the Sun. Any change in this balance will impact many life forms. It is also feared that global warming may gradually lead to the death of trees which might be replaced by scrub vegetation, which generally grow in the regions which experience high temperature and scanty rainfall.

Agriculture

It is estimated that global warming may influence the pattern of cultivation. While some crops may witness increased production, other crops may see a decline in their productivity.

Diseases: Phenomenal change in the temperature and level of rainfall may cause the outbreak of many diseases like malaria.