Scientists Discover Fast-Growing Glacier in Uttarakhand’s Niti Valley.

Dehradun, Uttarakhand – In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology have identified a fast-growing glacier in Uttarakhand’s remote Niti Valley. This newly discovered glacier, which is yet to be named, stretches approximately 10 km in length and spans around 48 square kilometers. Located near the India-Tibet border, the glacier lies adjacent to the Randolph and Rekana glaciers.

The discovery was made using multi-temporal satellite data, revealing that the glacier is currently experiencing a phenomenon known as a glacier surge. A glacier surge refers to the sudden and rapid increase in the size of a glacier. According to Manish Mehta, a senior geologist at the Wadia Institute, one possible reason for this surge could be a hydrological imbalance, where the porosity of water weakens the ice layers, causing them to slide downwards.

The study, titled “Manifestations of a Glacier Surge in Central Himalaya Using Multi-Temporal Satellite Data,” was conducted by glaciologists Manish Mehta, Vineet Kumar, Ajay Rana, and Gautam Rawat. Their findings indicate that the glacier’s velocity has increased dramatically, from 7 meters per year during its dormant phase to 163 meters per year during the surge.

This surge is significant as it marks the first recorded surge of the glacier in the past three decades. The glacier’s terminus has advanced by 722 meters during the surge period, highlighting the unpredictable nature of glacial dynamics. The researchers used advanced remote sensing tools, including CARTOSAT-1 and Landsat imagery, to track the glacier’s changes.

The discovery has important implications for the region, as such surges can lead to hazardous glacial lake outbursts, threatening lives and livelihoods downstream. Continuous monitoring of Himalayan glaciers is crucial as climate change accelerates glacial dynamics.

The researchers also observed significant changes in the glacier’s morphology, including the development of extensive crevasses and increased ice mass transfer from its accumulation zone to the terminus. Surface elevation analysis revealed thinning in the reservoir area and thickening near the terminus, suggesting rapid ice movement.

This discovery underscores the importance of understanding and monitoring glacial changes in the Himalayan region. As climate change continues to impact these glaciers, it is essential to develop strategies to mitigate the risks associated with glacial surges and outbursts.

glacier surge, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Niti Valley, Uttarakhand, climate change, glacial dynamics, remote sensing, hydrological imbalance, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), CARTOSAT-1, Landsat imagery.

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