Global Warming Helps Diatom?

Northernmost Lake Resurrected Due to Warming. 

The world's northernmost lake, situated near the coast of Greenland, is coming back to life.

Populations of microscopic algae, called diatoms, have been absent from the lake Kaffeklubben Sø for over 2,000 years. But a new study has found that the diatoms are returning, thanks to global warming. Diatoms were once abundant in Kaffeklubben Sø, which was formed about 3,500 years ago after glacial retreats created numerous small lakes on the coastal plain. As surrounding temperatures cooled, diatom populations decreased until they vanished some 2,400 years ago.

Ice completely covered its surface, cutting off any sunlight that had previously penetrated into the water. This lack of light, along with dropping temperatures, killed off the organisms beneath the surface.

Scientists began seeing a growth in the number of diatoms in the lake between 1960 and 1970 as summer temperatures began gradually increasing—varying by less than a degree throughout the years. By 1980, the diatom population had exploded.

A layer of ice three-to-six feet thick (one-to-two meters thick) covers the lake year-round, though the rising summer temperatures—now averaging around 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 degrees Celsius)—cause some of the ice to melt, especially around the shore.

Temperature wise, several degrees Celsius in northern Greenland makes a critical difference. The warmer summer temperatures and ice melt age allow enough light into the lake so that life can grow.

A large portion of the study sought to determine if the surge in diatom population was caused in part by nitrogen pollution, which can cause algae to bloom. But no evidence of pollution—nitrogen or otherwise—was found in Kaffeklubben Sø, suggesting that the current rise in diatom population is due to climate change alone. 

The current diatom population in Kaffeklubben Sø is the highest in recent memory, according to the study authors.

The Threat of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are more frequent, and their effects more 
destructive, than at any time in recorded history. The number of people vulnerable to them has risen by 50,000 to 60,000 per decade since the early 1970s. At least half of their casualties are children.

Natural and man-made disasters connect with each other. One of the countries most affected by the catastrophic tsunami of December 26th 2004 was Sri Lanka. When the great wave swept all before it on the eastern shore of the island one of the places it struck hardest was Batticaloa, the waterside headquarters of a brigade of Sri Lankan army. To defend themselves against the Tamil Tigers, the Sri Lankan soldiers had laid a belt of landmines around the garrison. The landmines were swept away by the tsunami. There were maps of the old minefield, but not of the new one.

Again it was the children who were chiefly vulnerable. A high proportion of landmine and anti-personnel mine casualties in all conflicts are the boys whose energy and curiosity lead them into danger. Cluster munitions especially are child killers.

Well, this is a cut short version of a report on a website. But, still it is the same which I wanted to tell. Nature takes its revenge through disasters. It provides and it takes, for it does not need to ask since it has already got the power to do that. Saving the Earth, is not at all a mighty task, if you are willing to do it wholeheartedly.

--- Nature ---

By Soumya Sunder

Nature – with shades of vibrant and dark colors,
Morning as bright as the sun, and night as dark as a pitch.
Morning sunshine as bright as the stars,
Bringing new hopes and dreams for the day.
Walking on fresh grass as green as emerald,
In a hurry to reach the destination quickly.
Night as dim as a dungeon, thanking the Almighty for the wonderful day,
Ending the day by listening to the nightingale’s voice – as sweet as a mother’s lullaby.