High Mountain Asia, often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its vast glaciers, is losing more than 22 gigatons of ice per year—equivalent to nearly 9 million Olympic swimming pools—as revealed by recent research from the University of Utah and Virginia Tech.
This dramatic loss, driven by warming temperatures, is now compounded by shifts in the South Asian monsoons. These changes in seasonal rainfall and snowfall patterns are accelerating glacier melt, further threatening the region’s freshwater resources.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Monsoon Influence: Changes in the intensity and timing of the South Asian monsoon are affecting glaciers. Glaciers in the Central, Western, and Eastern Himalayas are particularly vulnerable to accelerated melting.
- Glacier Melt Cycles: Research shows that glacier retreat follows natural cycles of 3–4.5 years and 5–8 years, suggesting that monsoon shifts are closely linked to the ice dynamics of the glaciers.
- Impact on Water Supply: The glaciers in this region provide freshwater to over 1.4 billion people, supporting agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water systems. Accelerated glacier melt could shift the source of river flow from glacial melt to rainfall, increasing the risk of droughts and water scarcity for future generations.
Why the South Asian Monsoon Matters
In the high-altitude regions of the Central Himalayas, glaciers accumulate snow primarily during the summer months. This occurs due to the South Asian monsoon, which provides snowfall at higher elevations. This snow, in turn, feeds the glaciers.
However, the changing patterns of the monsoon—warmer temperatures, shorter precipitation seasons, or shifts from snow to rain—result in less snowfall, further reducing the accumulation of ice. Combined with increasing temperatures, these changes accelerate the melting of glaciers, deepening the water crisis.
Increased Risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
The fast retreat of glaciers carries other immediate risks beyond water shortages. As glaciers melt, they create glacial lakes that can become unstable. The likelihood of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) has increased, threatening downstream communities. These floods, combined with landslides and river flooding, pose significant risks to lives and infrastructure.
Sonam Sherpa, lead author of the study, warns that these risks are not just long-term water shortages but immediate threats to vulnerable communities:
“This risk is not only about long-term water shortages but also about immediate threats to lives and infrastructure.”
The Role of Improved Monitoring
The research highlights the need for better monitoring systems. These systems should track rainfall, snowfall, and related climate variables in High Mountain Asia. The existing data reveals that natural variability in monsoon patterns is already contributing to glacier melt. However, with climate change intensifying, the future of these glaciers remains uncertain.
The researchers stress that improved satellite data is vital. It needs to be coupled with ground-based observations. This combination is crucial for predicting the ongoing effects of monsoon shifts. It also guides adaptation efforts in the region.
A Call to Action
As glaciers continue to melt at an alarming rate, the changing monsoon patterns add a complex layer of vulnerability to the region’s water supply. The findings highlight an urgent need for action to mitigate the risks associated with accelerated glacier loss, including enhancing monitoring systems, planning for water management, and addressing the worsening climate crisis that affects billions of lives across South and Central Asia.
This study was published in the IEEE Journal of Selected Topics on Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing. It serves as a crucial step in understanding the complex dynamics of glacier loss in High Mountain Asia. It also calls for global attention to safeguard the region’s freshwater resources for the future.
