Himalayas' hanging glacier threat, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• A study published in Nature identified 219 hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda basin of the Garhwal Himalayas.
• These unstable ice masses on steep slopes pose a significant risk of detaching and causing massive avalanches and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
• The research highlights the "geometric and dynamic instability" of Himalayan glaciers due to rapid warming and climate variability.
• Avalanche flows from these break-offs could exceed 50 meters in height in Uttarakhand's Badrinath-Mana sector, threatening infrastructure.
• The study projects a 120% increase in buildings and infrastructure and a 17% rise in population at risk in the Alaknanda basin by 2030.

Himalayan Glacier.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The study was co-authored by researchers from IIT Bhubaneswar and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
• Unstable glaciers are characterized by rapid changes in velocity, leading to ice redistribution and structural shifts that form hanging glaciers.
• While common in the Alps, comprehensive basin-scale assessments of hanging glaciers in the Himalayas have been limited until this study.
• The Alaknanda basin contains an estimated 2.39 km³ of ice volume, with 0.74 km³ specifically identified as hanging ice mass.
• Experts advocate for systematic identification, monitoring programs, and risk-informed land-use planning to mitigate downstream hazards.
• The 2021 Chamoli disaster is cited as an example of the devastating impact, underscoring the need for better preparedness and rapid response.
• There is an urgent call for a global transition to carbon-free energy to address the root cause of climate change impacting glaciers.
• Effective risk management requires treating these as cascading hazards and strengthening anticipatory monitoring, including transboundary cooperation.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Hanging Glaciers: Ice masses perched on steep mountain slopes prone to sudden detachment and avalanches.
• Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): Sudden and rapid release of water from glacial lakes, often triggered by glacier or landslide events.
• Alaknanda Basin: A significant river basin in the Garhwal Himalayas identified as having a high concentration of unstable glaciers.
• Climate Variability: Fluctuations in global or regional climate patterns over time, contributing to glacier instability.