Humans causing erosion comparable to world's largest rivers and glaciers
3 Sep 2009, 1304 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Washington, September 3 A new study has found that large-scale farming projects by humans can erode the Earth's surface at rates comparable to those of the world's largest rivers and glaciers.

The research offers stark evidence of how humans are reshaping the planet. It also finds that - contrary to previous scholarship - rivers are as powerful as glaciers at eroding landscapes.

"Our initial goal was to investigate the scientific claim that rivers are less erosive than glaciers," said Michele Koppes, a professor of geography at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and lead author of the study.

"But while exploring that, we found that many of the areas currently experiencing the highest rates of erosion are being caused by climate change and human activity such as modern agriculture," said Koppes, who conducted the study with David Montgomery of the University of Washington.

In some cases, the researchers found large-scale farming eroded lowland agricultural fields at rates comparable to glaciers and rivers in the most tectonically active mountain belts.

According to Koppes, "This study shows that humans are playing a significant role in speeding erosion in low lying areas. These low-altitude areas do not have the same rate of tectonic uplift, so the land is being denuded at an unsustainable rate."

Koppes said that other significant causes of low-altitude erosion include glacier melting caused by climate change and volcanic eruptions.

"The highest erosion rates have typically been seen at high altitudes where tectonic forces pit rising rock against rivers and glaciers," said Koppes, who with Montgomery created with an updated database of erosion rates for more than 900 rivers and glaciers worldwide, documented over the past decade with new geologic measuring techniques.

Contrary to previous scholarship, they found that rivers and glaciers in active mountain ranges are both capable of eroding landscapes by more than one centimetre per year.

"Studies had previously indicated that glaciers could erode landscapes as much as 10 times faster than rivers," Koppes said. (ANI)

Related Latest

CO2 emissions caused by humans rise 2 percent despite global financial crisis Consumerdaddy to launch largest consumer protection portal in India Rain might have helped Stone Age humans to cross the Sahara Asia's largest month-long cattle fair begins in Bihar World's largest malaria vaccine trial begins in 7 African countries 'World's largest budgie smuggler' parade to be held Down Under Air tides responsible for causing landslides 'Alien' bionic arm enables humans to lift more than 90 kg with ease Remains of 1,000 people recovered from one of Ireland's largest medieval cemeteries Mums favour their largest offspring, claims study on American coots

Related Latest

Common pain relief drugs promote cancer growth US Congress adopts bipartisan resolution to honour Manmohan Singh No talks with Pakistan planned in Trinidad Security concerns regarding Pakistan to be expressed at US-India meet India, US at last getting to more deal making than deal breaking As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, India will not redraw borders: Singh Pakistan has not done enough on the Mumbai terror attacks: Manmohan Singh No apprehension about US viewing India differently: Manmohan Singh Winters leave Ladakh out of bound, make stocking of food material a must Eco-friendly vehicles rally held in Delhi

• Common pain relief drugs promote cancer growth
• No talks with Pakistan planned in Trinidad
• Security concerns regarding Pakistan to be expressed at US-India meet
• India, US at last getting to more deal making than deal breaking
• US Congress adopts bipartisan resolution to honour Manmohan Singh

• भारतीय क्रिकेट की मजबूत दीवार
• कंगारूओं के आगे ढेर, चीतों से कैसे मुकाबला करेंगें शेर
• Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow global warming
• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights