2. WHAT ARE GLACIAL PROVINCES ?
⮚Glacial provinces are regions on Earth
that have been shaped by past or present
glaciation.
⮚Over time, glaciers can move across the
landscape, eroding the underlying rock
and soil, and leaving behind distinctive
landforms and deposits.
3. TYPESOFGLACIERS
CONTINENTAL GLACIERS AND ALPINE GLACIERS
Alpine glaciers, also known
as mountain glaciers, are
bodies of ice that form in
mountainous regions and
flow downhill through valleys
and gorges.
Continental glaciers, also
known as
ice sheets, are vast bodies of
ice
that cover large portions of
continental land masses.
These glaciers are massive in
size,
with some of the largest ones
covering millions of square
kilometers
4. ADAPTATIONSBYAQUATICSPECIESTOTHRIVEINTHEENVIRONMENT
It is unlikely that aquatic species would adapt to thrive specifically in
glaciers, as glaciers are not a typical habitat for aquatic life.
That being said, some aquatic species may be adapted to survive in
very cold and harsh environments. For example, some fish species
such as Arctic char and bull trout have adapted to living in cold
water environments and are able to survive in water temperatures
close to freezing.
Other adaptations include changes in their metabolism, such as an
increased production of antifreeze proteins that prevent their bodily
fluids from freezing, or a slowed-down metabolic rate that allows
them to conserve energy in an environment where food may be
6. SCOPEOFAQUACULTURE
The idea of aquaculture on glaciers is not feasible due to several
reasons.
Glaciers are not suitable for aquaculture as they lack a stable
ecosystem for aquatic life to thrive.
Glaciers are not accessible for aquaculture operations due to their
remote locations and harsh environmental conditions
Aquaculture operations can generate waste and pollution, which
can harm the surrounding ecosystem if not properly managed.
Glaciers are also important water sources for many communities
and ecosystems, and any activity that affects their integrity can
have consequences.
7. AVAILABILITYOFPLANKTON
Plankton is generally not abundant in glaciers, as the cold
temperatures and lack of sunlight and lesser amount of nutrient limit
the growth of most types of plankton. However, there are some
exceptions.
In general, Diatoms are often the dominant type of phytoplankton in
glaciers as they are well adapted to low-nutrient environments and
can thrive in cold water temperatures. Other types of phytoplankton
that have been found in glacier waters include green algae, such as
Chlamydomonas and Scenedesmus, and cyanobacteria, such as
Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus. Dinoflagellates have also been
reported in some glacier-fed lakes and rivers.
8. HARVESTINGOFFISHES [methods]
Here are some common methods used:
Ice fishing: Where fishermen drill a hole in the ice and drop their fishing line
through the hole. The fish are attracted to bait or lures, and fishermen can catch
a variety of fish species, including trout, salmon, and Arctic char.
Gillnets: This method involves setting up a large net in the water and waiting for
fish to swim into it. The netting is designed to entangle the fish's gills,
preventing them from escaping.
Traps: Fishermen in glacial provinces often use traps to catch fish, such as crab
or lobster. These traps are typically made of wire or mesh and are baited with
fish or other seafood.
Trolling: This method involves dragging a fishing net with boats and are often
9. CHALLENGESOFGLACIALPROVINCES V/S FEATURESTHATSUPPORTLIFE
Cold temperatures:
Limited access to resources:
Hazardous terrain:
Risk of avalanches and icefall:
Limited infrastructure:
Climate change:
Meltwater streams and ponds :
Mineral-rich sediments:
Glacier-fed rivers and estuaries:
Cryoconite holes:Cryoconite holes are
depressions in glaciers that are filled with dark
sediment. These holes can harbor microbes that feed
on the organic matter trapped in the sediment.
Protection from harsh weather:
Ice caves:
11. ENDEMICSPECIESOFGLACIALPROVINCE
Glacier stonefly (Zapada glacier): This stonefly species is found only in glacial
streams and rivers in western North America, and is adapted to cold, fast-
flowing water.
Glacier worm (Mesenchytraeus solifugus): These worms are found only in the
soils of glaciers in New Zealand, and can tolerate extreme cold and low oxygen
levels.
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus): This fish species is found only in cold, clear
waters of Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, including some glacial rivers and lakes.
Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus): This trout species is found only in cold, clean
water of the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including some glacial
streams and lakes.
12.
13. HOWCANWEBALANCEECONOMICDEVELOPMENTWITHCONSERVATIONOF
AQUATICLIFE?
Conduct environmental impact assessments: Before any development activities
take place, it is essential to assess the potential environmental impacts on the
aquatic life and their habitats. It should include baseline studies of the
ecosystem and the identification of sensitive areas that should be protected.
Develop sustainable development plans: The development plan should aim to
minimize the impact on aquatic life while also promoting economic growth.
Implement conservation measures: To protect aquatic life in glacial provinces,
conservation measures such as habitat restoration, species protection, and
sustainable fishing practices should be implemented
Engage local communities: It is important to engage them in decision-making
processes and provide them with education and training to promote sustainable
practices.
