• Geography -> Cartography and topography

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What are the topographical changes that have occurred in the world in recent decades?

Tonya Le

In recent decades, there have been significant topographical changes in the world. The impact of human activities such as deforestation, mining, and urbanization has led to an unprecedented alteration in the landscape.

One of the most noticeable topographical changes is the loss of forest cover. Forests have been cleared for agricultural purposes, logging, and urban expansion. This has not only led to the loss of habitats of several species but also contributed to climate change. Deforestation is responsible for the release of greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming.

Another significant change is the rise in sea levels. Due to the melting of glaciers and ice caps at the polar regions, sea levels have been steadily increasing. This has disrupted the ecosystem of marine life and led to the erosion of coastal areas. Coastal cities and towns are at risk of flooding and are being threatened by the rising sea levels.

The increase in global temperature has also led to the melting of permafrost, which is a frozen layer of soil that is usually found in the polar and sub-polar regions. This sudden thawing of permafrost can cause significant damage to infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and bridges, leading to erosion and landslides.

The extraction of resources such as oil, gas, and minerals has also resulted in topographical changes. Mining operations often require the removal of topsoil, which can lead to soil erosion, landslides, and the destruction of ecosystems. The extraction of oil and gas can also cause ground subsidence and earthquakes.

Urbanization has resulted in the growth of cities and towns, leading to the loss of natural habitats and the demolition of natural systems. The construction of dams and reservoirs has also led to the alteration of rivers, streams, and wetlands, and has resulted in the displacement of people and animals.

Lastly, human-induced climate change has led to the melting of glaciers, which have been the source of some of the world's major rivers. For example, the Himalayas, which are the source of the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra rivers, are rapidly losing their glaciers. This could have significant implications for those who rely on these rivers for their water supply.

To conclude, the topographical changes that have occurred in the world in recent decades are a result of human activities. The loss of forests, rise in sea levels, melting of permafrost, extraction of resources, urbanization, and climate change are some of the significant changes that have occurred. These changes have disrupted the natural system, causing significant damage to ecosystems and posing a threat to the survival of several species. It is imperative that we take steps to address these changes and adopt sustainable practices to ensure the long-term survival of our planet.