Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lake Dynamics in Himalaya

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Ghepang/Ghepan Ghat and other Glacial Lake, GLOF Glacial Landforms etc.

Mains level: NA

 

Why in the News?

  • The Satellite images by ISRO show an increase in the size of Gepang Gath Lake amidst rising concerns about Climate Change.
  • Gepang Gath Lake (one of the biggest Glacial lakes in the Chandra basin) is located in the Western Indian Himalaya at the terminus of the Gepan Gath glacier.

ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lakes in Himalayas 

Expansion of Glacial Lakes

  • During 2016-17, total of 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares were identified, among which 676 were identified as glacial lakes. Notably, these 676 glacial lakes have shown significant expansion since 1984. A staggering 89% (601 lakes) of the expanding lakes have more than doubled in size since 1984.
  • Regional Distribution: Out of these expanding glacial lakes, 130 are situated within India. Among these, 65 lakes are located in the Indus River basin, seven in the Ganga River basin, and 58 in the Brahmaputra River basin.
  • The derived analysis from the Satellite provides valuable insights for understanding glacial lake dynamics.
  • It is essential for assessing environmental impacts and developing strategies for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) risk management and climate change adaptation in glacial environments.

 

What are Glacial Lakes?

 

    • Glacial lakes are bodies of water formed in depressions on the surface of glaciers or in moraines left behind by retreating glaciers.
    • Glacial lakes were categorized based on their formation process into four broad categories: 
      • Moraine-dammed, 
      • Ice-dammed, 
      • Erosion, and 
      • Other glacial lakes.
    • Among the expanding lakes, the majority are Moraine-dammed (307), followed by Erosion (265), other (96), and Ice-dammed (8) glacial lakes.
    • Formation Process: Glacial lakes form through the accumulation of meltwater from the melting ice of glaciers. As glaciers move, they carve out depressions in the landscape, which may fill with water to form lakes.
      • When glaciers retreat, they leave behind moraines, which can act as natural dams, trapping meltwater and forming lakes.
    • Characteristics:
      • Vary in size, depending on the size and activity of the glacier.
      • Found in mountainous regions and polar areas where glaciers are present.
      • The primary source of water is melting glacial ice, precipitation and runoff.
  • Significance of Glacial Lakes:
    • Glacial lakes play a crucial role in regulating water flow in glacier-fed rivers, particularly during the dry season.
    • Provides habitat for unique aquatic species adapted to cold, high-altitude environments.
    • Contributes to landscape evolution and the formation of landforms such as cirques and tarns.
  • Present Ecological Challenges:
    • Glacial Outburst Floods: The sudden release of water from glacial lakes, known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), can pose significant hazards to downstream communities and infrastructure. Ex. Chamoli Disaster.
    • Rapid Expansion: Glacial lakes can rapidly expand due to the increased melting of glaciers, leading to the risk of flooding and landslides in surrounding areas.

Important Glacial Lakes in India:

  • Deosai National Park (Jammu and Kashmir): Known for its numerous glacial lakes.
  • Gangbal Lake (Jammu and Kashmir): At the base of Mount Haramukh.
  • Zanskar Valley Lakes (Jammu and Kashmir): Includes Tsomoriri Lake, Tsokar Lake, and many others.
  • Roopkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Known for the human skeletons found at its bottom.
  • Sarson Patal Lake (Uttarakhand): Within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
  • Deoria Tal (Uttarakhand): Offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
  • Hemkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Near the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.
  • Kedar Tal (Uttarakhand): At the foot of the Thalay Sagar peak.
  • Nanda Devi East Base Lake (Uttarakhand): Offering views of the Nanda Devi peaks.
  • Vasuki Tal (Uttarakhand): Near the Chaturangi Glacier.
  • Chandratal Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Known for its crescent shape.
  • Suraj Tal (Himachal Pradesh): Close to the Baralacha La pass.
  • Rupin Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Near the Rupin Pass.
  • Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world.

 

PYQ:

[2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the

(a) East of Aksai Chin

(b) East of Leh

(c) North of Gilgit

(d) North of Nubra Valley

 

 

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