Implications of Earth’s Magnetic North Pole Shift

 

Recent studies have brought into light changes in the Earth’s magnetic north pole. This shift has deep effects on the behaviour of charged particles in the Earth’s magnetosphere. About these changes is crucial for predicting space weather and safeguarding satellite systems.

The Movement of the North Magnetic Pole

• The north magnetic pole has been drifting from Canada towards Siberia for over a century.
• Initially located in Canada, the pole has moved at an accelerated rate, reaching speeds of approximately 50 kilometres per year by 2020.
• This movement alters the strength and shape of the magnetic field, affecting how charged particles behave in space.
• The World Magnetic Model, developed by the British Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tracks the position of the magnetic north pole. This model is updated every five years to reflect its changing position.

Charged Particles and the Magnetosphere

• Charged particles such as electrons and protons are influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field.
• These particles move within a region known as the radiation belts.
• Their paths depend on the magnetic field’s strength and configuration.
• As the north magnetic pole shifts, the trajectories of these particles are altered, affecting their penetration altitudes.

Simulation Studies and Findings

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism conducted simulations to study the impact of the pole’s movement on particle behaviour.
• They used the International Geomagnetic Reference Field model to quantify changes in energetic protons.
• Their findings revealed that as the pole moved towards Siberia, particles that previously penetrated the atmosphere at lower altitudes experienced increases in their lowest reachable altitudes, rising by up to 1200 kilometres.

Implications for Satellites and Space Weather

• The shift in the magnetic field affects satellites in polar orbits.
• The varying penetration of charged particles alters atmospheric density, creating drag on satellites.
• This can change their orbits and trajectories.
• Additionally, the energy deposited by these particles can heat the atmosphere, further complicating satellite operations.

Historical Context of the Magnetic North Pole

The magnetic north pole was discovered by Sir James Clark Ross in 1831 in northern Canada. Since then, it has moved , now located approximately 400 kilometres northwest of its original position. Historical movements have varied, with the pole typically moving about 10 kilometres per year over the last 400 years. Recent activity has shown unprecedented acceleration, warranting close monitoring by scientists.

website: popularscientist.com

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Retail Food Inflation’s Impact on Agriculture

 

Retail food inflation in India saw a decline to 8.39% year-on-year in December 2025. This decrease follows higher inflation rates of 9.04% and 10.87% in the previous months. Despite this easing, the future trajectory of inflation remains uncertain, heavily influenced by supply conditions and weather patterns.

Current Agricultural Context

• Farmers have sown 320 lakh hectares of  wheat in the rabi season, surpassing the 315.63 lakh hectares from the previous year.
• Acreages for chickpeas, maize, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes have also increased. However, mustard sowing has decreased.
• The increase in sown area is attributed to surplus rainfall during the southwest monsoon, which has improved soil moisture and groundwater levels.

 Wheat Supply and Prices

Wheat stocks in government warehouses are at 184.11 lakh tonnes, marking the fifth lowest for this date since 2008. Current wholesale prices in Delhi range from Rs 3,150 to Rs 3,200 per quintal, rise from Rs 2,550 to Rs 2,600 last year. The government’s limited open market sales have contributed to this price increase, as uncertainty looms over the upcoming wheat harvest.

Temperature and Crop Development

Temperature plays important role in wheat grain development. Ideal temperatures should be in the low thirties during March, when grain filling occurs. An early onset of summer or extreme temperatures can adversely affect yields. Delayed sowing this season has raised concerns about potential crop output.

Sugar Production Outlook

India’s sugar production for the 2024-25 season is projected at 270 lakh tonnes, a decrease from 319 lakh tonnes in the previous season. Key states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are expected to see declines due to drought and adverse weather conditions affecting sugarcane growth. Early flowering in cane has also been reported, reducing sucrose accumulation.

Potato Crop Status

Potato planting was delayed by high temperatures, affecting germination and tuber formation. However, improved conditions later in the season have led to larger tubers and better yields. Retail prices for potatoes have fallen , indicating a positive outlook for this crop.

Edible Oils Price Surge

Prices for edible oils remain high, with palm oil at Rs 145 per kg, soyabean at Rs 155 per kg, and mustard oil at Rs 165 per kg. The increase is partly due to higher import duties and changes in palm oil blending regulations in Indonesia. Lower mustard acreage further complicates the supply situation.

Key Factors Contributing to Food Inflation in India

Weather Challenges

• Poor monsoon and heatwaves in 2024 reduced yields of water-dependent crops like cereals, pulses, and sugar.
• For example, inflation for cereals and pulses reached double digits in April 2024.

Fuel Price Impact

• High fuel costs increased agricultural expenses (e.g., transport, machinery).
• A 1% rise in fuel inflation can cause a 0.13% rise in food inflation over 12 months.

Supply Chain Disruptions

• Transportation issues, labor shortages, and poor logistics led to food scarcity.
• Perishable items like vegetables suffered the most due to inadequate storage, causing vegetable inflation to reach 27.8% for six consecutive months.

Global Influence

• Despite falling global food prices, domestic prices stayed high due to limited global-to-local price transmission.
• India imports 60% of its edible oils and pulses, making it vulnerable to international disruptions like the Russia-Ukraine war.

Inflation Basics

• Definition: Inflation is a rise in prices of goods and services, reducing people’s purchasing power.
  Example: If inflation rises from 1% in March to 7% in June, prices are rising faster each month.
• Types:
  • Demand-Pull Inflation: Demand exceeds supply.
  • Cost-Push Inflation: Production costs (e.g., fuel, labor) increase.
  • Wage-Price Inflation: Higher wages lead to higher prices, creating a cycle.

Measuring Food Inflation in India:

1. Consumer Price Index (CPI): Tracks retail inflation for goods like food, clothing, and housing. Types include:
   • CPI for Industrial Workers (IW), Agricultural Laborers (AL), Rural Laborers (RL), and Urban Non-Manual Employees (UNME).
2. Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI): Monitors food item prices (e.g., cereals, fruits, dairy).
3. Wholesale Price Index (WPI): Measures price changes for goods in bulk (e.g., cereals, vegetables, milk).

Government Measures to Control Food Inflation:

1. Subsidized Commodities: Distribution of cheaper onions, tomatoes,  wheat, and sugar.
2. Import Duty Cuts: Lowered duties to boost supply of pulses.
3. Export Bans: Restricted wheat (May 2022) and broken rice (Sept 2022) exports to ensure local availability.
4. Ban on Stockpiling: Limited wheat storage for traders to prevent hoarding.
5. Operation Greens: Stabilizes prices of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP crops).
6. Minimum Export Price (MEP): Imposed $800/ton export floor price for onions (Oct-Dec 2023).

Strategies to Tackle Food Inflation

• Improving Supply Chains: Strengthen logistics and storage (e.g., refrigerated trucks for perishables).
• Boosting Agricultural Productivity: Invest in drip irrigation, modern technology, and research to enhance crop yields.
• Price Regulation: Regularly monitor food prices and set fair maximum retail prices (MRPs).
• Encouraging Crop Diversification: Promote pulses and drought-resistant crops to reduce dependency on a few commodities.
• Adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture: Use rainwater harvesting and crop rotation to adapt to changing weather.
• Leveraging Technology: Tools like AmbiTag monitor food during transit to reduce wastage.

website: popularscientist.com

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Climate Change-Led Greenland Lakes Transformation

 

In 2022, over 7,500 lakes in western Greenland underwent a dramatic transformation from crystal blue to brown. This change was triggered by extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and warmer temperatures. The lakes, vital for local drinking water and biodiversity, began emitting carbon and suffered decline in water quality.

Extreme Weather Events and Their Causes

The transformation of Greenland’s lakes was primarily due to unusually high temperatures and precipitation. Typically, the region experiences snowfall in late summer. However, in 2022, rain replaced snow due to warmer conditions. This  led to the thawing of permafrost, which released organic carbon and other elements into the lakes. The extreme weather events occurred rapidly, causing changes that would usually take centuries.

Role of Atmospheric Rivers

• Atmospheric rivers played important role in the extreme weather experienced in Greenland.
• Defined as long, narrow regions in the atmosphere, these phenomena transport amounts of water vapour.
• While they contribute to freshwater supplies, intense atmospheric rivers can cause severe flooding and heat.
• Climate models suggest that as global temperatures rise, atmospheric rivers will become more frequent and intense, impacting regions like Greenland.

Impact on Lake Ecosystems

The influx of organic carbon and minerals transformed the physical and chemical properties of the lakes. By July 2023, the lakes exhibited noticeable changes in colour, odour, and taste. The increased dissolved organic material affected drinking water treatment processes, potentially leading to harmful byproducts. Moreover, reduced light penetration hindered phytoplankton growth, which plays a vital role in carbon dioxide absorption through photosynthesis.

Shift from Carbon Sink to Carbon Source

The transformation of the lakes resulted in increase in carbon dioxide emissions. The study noted a 350% rise in emissions as the lakes shifted from being carbon sinks to carbon sources. This change is concerning, as it contributes to the overall increase in atmospheric carbon levels, exacerbating climate change.

Broader Implications for Carbon Sinks

The findings from Greenland’s lakes are part of a larger trend affecting global carbon sinks. A recent study indicated that land-based carbon absorption has drastically decreased, marking the lowest levels since 2003. With natural carbon sinks like forests and oceans struggling to absorb carbon, the potential for rising atmospheric carbon levels is high. Current projections estimate a continued rise in global carbon dioxide emissions, further impacting climate stability.

website: popularscientist.com

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Silicon Carbide Extraction from Simulated Lunar Soil

 

Recently, researchers at IIT Madras have successfully extracted silicon carbide from simulated moon  soil. This achievement has implications for constructing habitats on the moon.

About Lunar Regolith

• Lunar regolith is the layer of loose material covering the moon’s surface.
• It is challenging to obtain real lunar soil as only a limited amount has been brought back to Earth.
• Simulated lunar soil is produced for research purposes.
• The moon’s surface has two main terrains – the maria and highlands.
• The highlands are particularly rich in silicon, aluminium, and calcium oxides.

The Extraction Process

• To create silicon carbide, a combination of silicon and carbon, researchers needed to source carbon on the moon.
• The carbon dioxide exhaled by astronauts is one potential source.
• At the International Space Station (ISS), the Sabatier process converts carbon dioxide into methane and water using hydrogen.
• While methane is typically vented into space at the ISS, it is crucial for this research.
• By combining highland regolith simulant with methane at high temperatures, researchers successfully produced silicon carbide.

Properties of Silicon Carbide

• Silicon carbide (SiC) is a hard, synthetic crystalline compound.
• It is known for its exceptional hardness and is primarily used in abrasives.
• SiC also has high thermal conductivity, strength at elevated temperatures, and low thermal expansion.
• These characteristics make it ideal for high-temperature applications and refractory materials.

Applications of Silicon Carbide

Silicon carbide has a wide range of applications. It is used in industrial furnaces, wear-resistant components for pumps, and rocket engines. In electronics, SiC serves as a substrate for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Its hardness makes it an excellent abrasive, second only to diamond and cubic boron nitride.

website: popularscientist.com

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