With reference to the mass gain in Antarctica between July 2021 and April 2023, consider the following statements: 1. Approximately 9% of the precipitation anomaly is attributed to human activities. 2. The mass gain was primarily driven by snowfall in West Antarctica. 3. Antarctica gained 695 billion tonnes of mass during this period. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Antarctica Gains 695 Billion Tonnes in Mass, Largest Boost in 20 Years

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims· 9 September 2026

Cryosphere dynamics and anthropogenic impacts on polar regions: a GS3 Science & Technology case study.

Why in news

A study published in Nature reported that Antarctica gained 695 billion tonnes of mass between July 2021 and April 2023 due to exceptional snowfall.

Background

Antarctica gained 695 billion tonnes of mass over a 22-month period (July 2021 - April 2023). The gain was primarily driven by snowfall in East Antarctica's Queen Mary Land and Wilkes Land regions, while West Antarctica continued to lose mass.

Facts for Prelims

FactAntarctica gained 695 billion tonnes of mass between July 2021 and April 2023.
PlaceQueen Mary Land and Wilkes Land are regions in East Antarctica.
FactResearchers attribute approximately 9% of the precipitation anomaly to human activities.
S&TThe mass gain was linked to warmer tropical ocean temperatures driving exceptional snowfall.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the mass gain in Antarctica between July 2021 and April 2023, consider the following statements:

Approximately 9% of the precipitation anomaly is attributed to human activities.
The mass gain was primarily driven by snowfall in West Antarctica.
Antarctica gained 695 billion tonnes of mass during this period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The gain was primarily driven by snowfall in East Antarctica's Queen Mary Land and Wilkes Land.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how short-term climate anomalies in polar regions reflect the broader complexities of global climate variability and human-induced environmental changes.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Climate feedback loops: Interaction between warmer tropical ocean temperatures and polar precipitation patterns
Anthropogenic contribution: Quantifying the 9% human-driven precipitation anomaly against natural climate variability

Keywords: Climate variability · Anthropogenic impact · Cryosphere dynamics · Precipitation anomaly · Polar ice sheets

Read the full news →Source: Times of India ↗Also: GS1 · Physical geography (landforms, oceans, climate)Also: GS3 · Climate change & international agreements

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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.