Q1 (e) Mountain regions are more fragile to ecological changes. Elucidate. 10 Marks (PYQ/2024)

Environmental Geography / Geomorphology / Regional Planning

Answer:

Introduction

Mountain regions, though ecologically diverse and resource-rich, are inherently fragile ecosystems. Their steep slopes, thin soils, climatic variability, and biodiversity hotspots make them particularly vulnerable to ecological disturbances. Both natural processes and human interventions can lead to irreversible impacts in mountain areas.

Why Mountains Are Ecologically Fragile

1. Geomorphological Constraints

• According to William Morris Davis’ Geographical Cycle, young mountains (e.g., Himalayas) are geologically unstable and prone to mass wasting and slope failure.
• Soil formation is slow, while erosion rates are high due to gravity-driven processes.

2. Ecological Sensitivity

• As per Rapp's Mountain Ecology Model, mountain environments have low resilience to disturbances.
• The altitudinal zonation and niche specificity of flora and fauna make species highly sensitive to even slight climatic shifts.

Human-Induced Pressures

1. Unsustainable Development

• Road construction, tourism, and infrastructure projects (e.g., hydropower) disturb slopes and forests.
• The Joshimath subsidence (Uttarakhand, India) is a recent example of geological fragility aggravated by human activity.

2. Deforestation and Agriculture

• Terrace farming and shifting cultivation (Jhum) increase erosion and reduce vegetation cover.
• Malthusian perspective suggests population growth exerts pressure on limited mountain resources, leading to environmental degradation.

3. Climate Change Vulnerability

• IPCC reports suggest mountain glaciers are melting at accelerated rates, impacting river regimes, agriculture, and hydropower.
• The cryosphere’s fragility leads to hazards like glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)—e.g., Chamoli disaster (2021).

Theoretical and Planning Perspectives

• Sustainable Mountain Development (Agenda 21, Rio Earth Summit 1992) calls for integrated watershed management and community-led conservation.
• Von Thünen’s Model: Modified by elevation, suggests transport cost and ecological risk increase with altitude, affecting land use.

Conclusion

Mountains are ecologically fragile regions due to steep topography, climatic extremities, and low carrying capacity. Anthropogenic stress and climate change exacerbate their sensitivity. Thus, eco-sensitive zoning, community-based conservation, and sustainable development models are essential to preserve these critical ecological zones for future generations.