Discuss the role of ocean currents and temperature anomalies in influencing the frequency and intensity of coral bleaching events in tropical regions.
Summary
> **Topic:** Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. **Topic:** Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. **Q2. Discuss the role of ocean currents and temperature anomalies in influencing the frequency and intensity of coral bleaching events in tropical regions. (10 M)** *Difficulty Level: Medium* *Referen
Exam Brief
GS-3Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef saw 44% mortality in protected areas in May 2024. UPSC asks about ocean currents and temperature anomalies' role in this.
Key Facts
- Great Barrier Reef saw 44% coral mortality in May 2024.
- Coral bleaching is linked to heat stress.
- Ocean currents regulate temperature and nutrient distribution.
- El Niño and marine heatwaves cause sea surface temperature variations.
Prelims — What UPSC Might Ask
- What are the ideal conditions (temperature, depth, salinity) for coral growth?
This article hasn't been rewritten for exam prep yet. Showing original content.
Source Article Content
Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Q2. Discuss the role of ocean currents and temperature anomalies in influencing the frequency and intensity of coral bleaching events in tropical regions. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question: The southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) saw catastrophic coral bleaching in May 2024, with a staggering 44 per cent mortality rate in protected areas, triggered by heat stress during one of the largest bleaching events recorded Key demand of the question: The question requires an analysis of how ocean currents and temperature anomalies contribute to coral bleaching events, and an exploration of their impact on the frequency and intensity of bleaching in tropical regions. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Introduce the phenomenon of coral bleaching and its dependence on oceanic factors, emphasizing the significance of ocean currents and temperature anomalies in shaping coral health. Body: Role of ocean currents in coral bleaching: Discuss how ocean currents regulate temperature, nutrient distribution, and stress levels in tropical coral ecosystems. Impact of temperature anomalies: Explain how variations in sea surface temperature due to climate phenomena like El Niño and marine heatwaves contribute to coral stress and mortality. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing the need for global climate action and local conservation measures to enhance coral reef resilience and mitigate the adverse effects of oceanic changes.Bottom of Form Why the question: The southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) saw catastrophic coral bleaching in May 2024, with a staggering 44 per cent mortality rate in protected areas, triggered by heat stress during one of the largest bleaching events recorded
Key demand of the question: The question requires an analysis of how ocean currents and temperature anomalies contribute to coral bleaching events, and an exploration of their impact on the frequency and intensity of bleaching in tropical regions.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Introduce the phenomenon of coral bleaching and its dependence on oceanic factors, emphasizing the significance of ocean currents and temperature anomalies in shaping coral health.
• Role of ocean currents in coral bleaching: Discuss how ocean currents regulate temperature, nutrient distribution, and stress levels in tropical coral ecosystems. • Impact of temperature anomalies: Explain how variations in sea surface temperature due to climate phenomena like El Niño and marine heatwaves contribute to coral stress and mortality. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing the need for global climate action and local conservation measures to enhance coral reef resilience and mitigate the adverse effects of oceanic changes.Bottom of Form