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The satellite observed glacier mass changes over the Upper Indus Basin during 2000-2012
Tariq Abdullah1, Shakil Ahmad Romshoo2, Irfan Rashid1
1Geoinformatics Department, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India.
Scientific Reports
|September 2, 2020
Summary
Glaciers in the Upper Indus Basin lost significant thickness between 2000-2012, with higher rates observed in Pir Panjal. This glacier melt impacts regional water resources.
Area of Science:
- Glaciology
- Himalayan environmental science
- Remote sensing applications
Background:
- The Upper Indus Basin is a critical water source for millions.
- Understanding decadal glacier changes is vital for water resource management.
- Previous studies have indicated glacier retreat in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate decadal glacier thickness changes in the Upper Indus Basin from 2000 to 2012.
- To analyze the influence of topographic and surface characteristics on glacier thinning.
- To assess the cumulative glacier mass loss and its implications for water resources.
Main Methods:
- Utilized TanDEM-X and SRTM-C Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) for glacier thickness change estimation.
- Analyzed 12,243 glaciers covering 19,727 km² within the study area.
- Correlated thickness changes with topographic parameters (altitude, slope) and glacier surface type (debris-covered vs. clean).
Main Results:
- Average glacier thinning of -0.35 ± 0.33 m a⁻¹ was observed across the basin.
- Pir Panjal glaciers showed the highest thinning (-1.69 ± 0.60 m a⁻¹), while Karakoram glaciers exhibited marginal thinning (-0.11 ± 0.32 m a⁻¹).
- Thinner glaciers were found at lower altitudes, on gentler slopes, and on southern aspects. Debris-covered glaciers lost more thickness than clean glaciers.
Conclusions:
- Glacier thickness loss in the Upper Indus Basin is significant and influenced by topography and surface cover.
- A cumulative mass loss of -70.32 ± 66.69 Gt was recorded.
- Continued glacier melt poses a substantial threat to the long-term sustainability of water resources in the basin.
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