Environment

CURRENT AFFAIRS 6 apr

Lightning strikes could double in Arctic

Issue
A research has been conducted regarding how lightning strikes are
increasing in Arctic areas as a result of climate change.

Background
Lightning strikes usually occur in lower latitudes and the observation of first
lightning strikes is an indication of changing climatic conditions.

Details
 Scientists identified how lightning changes in boreal forests and Arctic
tundra in high-latitude areas of Eurasia and North America.
 The size of lightning was quite surprising as such amount of charge
was not expected to be found in mid-latitudes.
 The findings indicate how Arctic climate is changing under changing
climate. Its climate is expected to be similar to Southern areas in summer
where lightning is common.

The study
Researchers conducted relationship between flash rate and climatic factors.
They discovered increase in lightning strikes incidents due to increases in
atmospheric convection.

Effects of lightning
 Lightning strike can burn away major components of Arctic tundra such
as short grasses and mosses.

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Environment
CURRENT AFFAIRS 6 apr

 Larger trees will start growing after small shrubs vanish due to
succession. These trees are darker in nature and attract more sunlight that
will increase the temperature further.
 The heat will melt away permafrost soils that hold large amounts of
carbon. This will result in increase in concentration of carbon causing global
warming.
NOTES

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