Article “Antarctic ice may melt more quickly than expected”
The first article published on CBC news describes the problem of melting of the glaciers in Antarctic. According to the article, it is expected that the sea level would rise by 46 to 86 centimetres by the year of 2100, which is much more that it had been expected before. The scientists identified that the main reasons of this are warmer air, less frigid water and gravity. Moreover, the forecasts also predict that by 2500 the seas might become 13 metres higher, which will be caused only by ice melting. However, as scientists believe, the rise of the sea level might be lower if greenhouse gas emissions are controlled.
Though the melting of the glaciers is happening particularly in Antarctic, it is definitely a worldwide problem, since the sea level is rising in general by changing and transforming the map of the word. However, it is possible to say that among the most affected areas and continents now is North America and Gulf of Mexico.
As it has been mentioned above, the process of glacier retreat is caused by increasing temperatures of the air, which leads to the melting of ice and, as a result, to higher level of sea water.
In terms of the impact on humans, ice melt and the rise water is, first of all, a treat to world coasts. If the sea level becomes higher, it leads to more frequent and serious sea storms that might reach farther inland by bringing serious damages to people living on the coast. Thus, it is possible to say that there the whole big cities and their population are at threat, including such metropolitan cities as New York City, Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles.
In terms of the impact on one of 4 spheres, it is possible to say that in this case hydrosphere is the most impacted one. (The Associated Press)
Article “Fracking fallout: 7.9 million at risk of man-made earthquakes”
The article discusses earthquake risk for people living in the United States, particularly in such states as Oklahoma and Texas. According to the statistics, nowadays there are 7.9 million people in the country who are at risk of human-made earthquakes. As it was identified, a seismic activity has significantly increased during the last 30 years, which creates a hazard to buildings, bridges, pipelines and other constructions.
As it has been mentioned above, the discussed and described problem in the article relates to the United States and particularly to Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas and Arkansas. However, it is also possible to say that the problem of earthquake is also a worldwide problem because every year there are more and more earthquakes happening throughout the planet by bringing serious damages.
As it has been explained, the earthquakes in this case are related to human activities and particularly to fracking, which is a drilling technique that is used for extracting oil and natural gas. Despite the fact that there is no scientific proof that fracking causes earthquakes, most scholars agree on it and associate this activity with increased level of seismic activity.
It is obvious that earthquakes have a very negative impact on humans since they bring serious damages to buildings, roads and other constructions, and become reasons of hundreds of deaths.
Regarding the impact of earthquakes on four spheres, the most impacted is lithosphere that can be defined as the solid and the outer part of the planet because lithosphere and earthquakes are interrelated. Also, it is possible to say that earthquakes affect biospheres by killing those, who belong to the biosphere, such as animals, humans and plants; and by destroying natural habitat. (Egan)
Works Cited
Egan, Matt. “Fracking fallout: 7.9 million at risk of man-made earthquakes”. CNN. Cable News Network. 29 March 2016. Web. 1st April 2016
The Associated Press. “Antarctic ice may melt more quickly than expected”. CBC. CBC/Radio-Canada. 31 March 2016. Web. 1st April 2016.
