Melting of Ladakh glacier could form three glacial lakes: Study

Melting of Ladakh glacier could form three glacial lakes: Study

New Delhi:

Accelerated melting of the Himalayan Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh could give rise to three glacial lakes with an average depth ranging between 34 and 84 metres, scientists have found.

These lakes could be a potential source of glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalayas, the scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, said.

Parkachik Glacier is one of the largest glacier in the Suru River valley, which is a part of the Southern Zanskar Ranges, western Himalaya. The Zanskar Range, part of the Himalayas, lies in the union territory of Ladakh.

Read More US Supreme Court limits judges' power to block birthright citizenship order, Trump says 'grateful'

The glacier's yearly melting rate was 6 times faster between 1999 and 2021 (22 years) than that calculated from 1971 to 1999 (28 years), the scientists found using satellite data to determine its glacial retreat from 1971-2021. The findings are published in the journal Annals of Glaciology.

Read More India U19 cruise to six-wicket win over England U19 in dominant chase

The study attributed the accelerated glacial retreat to ongoing climate warming, which also causes surface morphological or geological changes to glaciers.

Read More Delhi govt extends existing liquor licensing regime for FY 2025–26 | Check renewal terms

Faster glacial retreat, along with surface morphological changes, have been known to result in the forming of new glacial lakes and expansion of existing ones, a potential source of glacial lake outburst floods.

Glacial lakes are formed when a glacier erodes the land and then melts, filling the depression created by the glacier.

In this study, the scientists have identified three potential overdeepening sites for lake formation on the glacier at different elevations. The lake area of each of these lakes could range from 43 to 270 hectares.

Tags:

About The Author

Aryan Age Picture

Welcome to Aryan Age, an English newspaper that has been serving readers since 2011 from Delhi. With a loyal circulation of over 19,000, we are dedicated to providing our readers with the latest news and information, as well as insightful analysis and commentary that help them navigate the complex and rapidly changing world.

Post Comment

Comment List

Latest News

Live Cricket Score

Advertisement

Science & Tech

Oppo K13x 5G launched under Rs 12,000 in India: 6,000mAh battery, 50MP camera Oppo K13x 5G launched under Rs 12,000 in India: 6,000mAh battery, 50MP camera
New Delhi: Oppo has officially launched its latest budget 5G smartphone, the Oppo K13x, in India. Aimed at the sub-Rs...
OnePlus 15 may drop Hasselblad cameras: Major imaging shift revealed in leak

Health

Is it just burnout or something serious? When should you take brain fog seriously, doctor answers Is it just burnout or something serious? When should you take brain fog seriously, doctor answers
New Delhi: In today’s world, feeling mentally exhausted is very common. This can have a significant impact on our mental...
World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2025: 5 tips to manage the condition better, according to experts

Lifestyle

Memory games to mental math: Try these brain exercises to improve your memory Memory games to mental math: Try these brain exercises to improve your memory
New Delhi: Your brain is one of the most important organs in the body. It controls different functions of the...
Consume these healthy, low-sodium snacks to satisfy your tea-time cravings, know recipe