Understanding Geophysical Phenomena: How it impacts our environment?

What is Geophysics?

Geophysics is a term with very broad meaning which includes major sciences – physics, astronomy, planetary science, geology, environmental science, oceanography, and meteorology. Basically, it is the applications of physics to the study of earth, ocean, atmosphere, and near-earth space.

Importance of the observations

The Geophysical observation is important because it makes us aware of the planet and other things related to it where we live and use. The earth has things which can be beneficial for us as well as it can destroy us or simply said human life on earth. Due to studies and observations made by geophysicists, we know about the things and helps in the development of the world. For example, the motion in the Earth’s deep core gives rise to the magnetic field, which protects us from harmful radiations. On the other hand, earthquakes and volcanoes can destroy the place terribly. It also explores energy, water, and mineral resources. It monitors natural changes and manmade hazards.

Let us discuss some important geophysical phenomena –

Floodplain – It is an area formed by the sediments of the river and is subjected to flood during the period of high discharge as it is an area of low-lying ground adjacent to the river.

Why is the floodplain significant ecologically?

It gives the river more space. At the time when the level of water rises it can spread through the plain. It is the best land from the agricultural point of view due to annual inundation.

Avoids Eutrophication. As the sediments are left behind on the plains which helps in purifying the water.

Biodiversity is increased due to the transitional phase between the river and the terrestrial ecosystem.

Flood– It is a natural disaster when the level of the water bodies increases abnormally and effects crops, livestock, and human lives.

Regions that are highly prone to Flood in India –

The rivers that cause flood are Kosi and Damodar. A part of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal are covered with the basin of Himalayan rivers.

The Godavari, the Krishna the Pennar and the Cauvery.

Urban Sprawl – It is the expansion of humans in the outer city. When the human population expands from the core of the city. It engulfs many villages around the city.

Why is it important ecologically?

Low-Density development is better for air quality as it disperses pollution into the wider space.

It provides more space for the greenery like trees, parks, and yards which help in the minimization of both, air as well as water pollution

Due to less population, people can afford larger plots

Due to the latter reason, traffic will also be less.

Forest Fire – What causes the forest fire?

Climatic conditions like temperature, wind speed, and direction, level of moisture in soil and atmosphere and duration of dry cells. Lightening on trees also sets fire.

Some of the very natural causes which can be very difficult to be controlled like friction between bamboos due to high wind velocity and rolling stones that results in sparks setting off fires. High temperatures with no rainfall in summers can lead to the fire in the forest.