Ladakh glacier melting may form three lakes, says study

• A study by scientists of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology found that three glacial lakes are likely to form around Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh due to rapid ice melt.
• The study is based on satellite imagery between 1971-2021 and supplemented by extensive field surveys between 2015-2021.

Findings of the Study

• The glacier retreated at an average rate of around two metres per annum between 1971 and 1999.
• Between 1999 and 2021, the retreat was at an average rate of around 12 metres per annum.
• Field studies: The glacier retreated at a higher rate than observed in satellite imaging, at 20.5 metres per annum between 2015 and 2021.
• Ablation and accumulation is found in the glacier.
  • Accumulation is at the top of a glacier, indicating the accumulation of snow.
  • Ablation indicates the glacier’s lower half where melting typically takes place.
• The ‘surface ice velocity’ was 45 metres per annum in the lower ablation zone in 1999-2000 which reduced to 32 metres per annum in 2020-21, a reduction of 28 per cent.

Reasons for Glacier Melting

• Global warming and increasing temperatures in the region
• It is at a lower altitude than other glaciers in the Zanskar region.

Lakes formation

• According to the models used, three proglacial lakes are likely to form near the glacier.
• Problems
  • If the volume of water is large, there is a possibility of glacial lake outbursts.
  • The loss of a valuable water resource since Ladakh primarily depends on glacial melt for water.
    • In Asia, three billion people are dependent on glaciers for water.

Parkachik Glacier

• One of the largest glaciers in the Suru River valley.
• The Suru River valley is a part of the southern Zanskar Ranges in the western Himalayas.

Prelims Takeaway

• Parkachik Glacier
• Zanskar Range
• Global warming