Rapid glacial retreat due to ice melt is anticipated to result in the formation of three glacial lakesin Ladakh, posing potential risks of glacial lake outbursts and exacerbating water scarcity in the region. A recent study conducted by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology reveals alarming findings about the Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh.
As a critical water source, the Himalayan glaciers are subject to extensive research, but understanding their thickness remains a challenge. The study combines satellite imagery and ground penetrating radar to assess glacier retreat rates, shedding light on the concerning impact of climate change on this region.
PARKACHIK GLACIER RETREAT: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Covering an area of 53 square kilometres and stretching 14 kilometres, the Parkachik Glacier is one of the largest in the Suru River valley, situated in the southern Zanskar Ranges of the western Himalayas. Scientists, led by Dr. Manish Mehta, have identified two primary factors driving the glacier’s rapid melting: global warming and elevated temperatures in the region, coupled with its relatively lower altitude compared to other glaciers in Zanskar.
INSIGHTS FROM SATELLITE IMAGING AND FIELD SURVEYS
To comprehensively analyze the glacial retreat, the study combined satellite imagery from 1971 to 2021 and supplemented it with extensive field surveys conducted between 2015 and 2021. The data revealed varying rates of retreat over the decades. Between 1971 and 1999, remote sensing data showed an average retreat of approximately 2 ma−1 per year. However, between 1999 and 2021, the glacier receded at a much faster average rate of around 12 ma−1annually. Intriguingly, day-to-day monitoring during the period from 2015 to 2021 recorded an even higher retreat rate of 20.5 ma−1per year.
GLACIAL ICE THICKNESS AND DISTRIBUTION
Understanding the ice thickness is crucial for comprehending the behaviour of Himalayan glaciers. While remote sensing approaches fall short in directly estimating glacier thickness, few studies have utilized ground penetrating radar for the Indian Himalaya. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating such methods to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of glacier dynamics.
IMPLICATIONS OF GLACIAL RETREAT
The glacial retreat poses two significant concerns. Firstly, three proglacial lakes are likely to form near the glacier, increasing the risk of glacial lake outbursts, particularly considering the presence of nearby villages, including Kargil, just 80 kilometres away. Secondly, the region’s reliance on glacial melt for water supply makes the glacier’s loss a critical issue. With three billion people in Asia depending on glaciers for water, the potential scarcity could have far-reaching consequences.
The findings of the study on the Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh underscore the urgent need to address the impacts of glacial retreat caused by climate change. The projected formation of new glacial lakes raises concerns for nearby communities and emphasizes the region’s heavy reliance on glacial melt as a vital water source. As we witness the rapid transformations in Himalayan glaciers, collective efforts must be made to mitigate climate change and protect these essential natural resources.
