Title: Spatio-temporal monitoring and dynamic analysis of Harmukh Glaciers, Kashmir Himalaya

Authors: Mohmad Ashraf Ganaie; Syed Kaiser Bukhari

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India

Abstract: Glaciers are considered the most dynamic and remarkable features of earth and are highly sensitive indicators of climatic change and global warming. The continuous retreat of glaciers in the Himalayan region can have serious impacts in the region. So, there is a dire need for timely glacier mapping and monitoring for planning and management of water resources. The study focuses on the dynamic responses of glaciers in the Harmukh range, Kashmir Himalaya using satellite imagery from 1980 to 2020. The total area of the glaciers (G-I to G-VII) has reduced from 6.962 km² in 1980 to 5.468 km² in 2020, a deglaciation of 1.493 km² (21.44%), whereas the glacial area of 0.499 km² (14.55%) has lost in the Harmukh glacier (G-I) during this period. The snout position and ELA have shown upward shifts, with varying rates at different time intervals in the Harmukh glacier (G-I). The specific mass balance (SMB) of the Harmukh glacier (G-I) changed from 33.15 cm water equivalent (w.e.) to 7.27 cm water equivalent (w.e.) during the observation period. Adverse effects may prevail in the flow of streams and water-dependent regions of the area if the similar situation persisted in these glaciers.

Keywords: remote sensing; accumulation area ratio; AAR; Google Earth Engine; GEE; equilibrium line altitude; ELA; Kashmir Himalaya.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHST.2023.132593

International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, 2023 Vol.16 No.2, pp.122 - 150

Received: 06 Jan 2022
Accepted: 14 Mar 2022
Published online: 30 Jul 2023 *

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