Karakoram Anomaly | 25 Jul 2022

Why in News?

Recently, a study investigated why glaciers in the Karakoram Range of Central-South Asia have not been as affected by Climate Change as others.

  • They have attributed this phenomenon called Karakoram Anomaly to the recent revival of Western Disturbances (WDs).

What is Karokoram Anomaly?

  • The ‘Karakoram Anomaly’ is termed as the stability or anomalous growth of glaciers in the central Karakoram, in contrast to the retreat of glaciers in other nearby mountainous ranges of Himalayas and other mountainous ranges of the world.

What are the Key Findings of the study?

  • It is for the first time that a study brought forth the importance that enhanced western Disturbance (WD)-precipitation input during the accumulation period plays in modulating regional climatic anomalies.
    • Previous studies have highlighted the role of temperature in establishing and sustaining the anomaly over the years
  • Western Disturbances (WDs) are the primary feeder of snowfall for the region during winters.
  • The study suggests they constitute about around 65% of the total seasonal snowfall volume and about 53% of the total seasonal precipitation, easily making them the most important source of moisture.
  • Further, the precipitation intensity of WDs impacting Karakoram has increased by around 10% in the last two decades, which only enhances their role in sustaining the regional anomaly.

What is Karakoram Range?

  • The Karakorams are part of a complex of mountain ranges at the centre of Asia, including the HinduKush to the west, the Pamirs to the northwest, the Kunlun Mountains to the northeast, and the Himalayas to the southeast.
  • The Karakorams cover parts of Afghanistan, China, India, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.

What is the Importance of Himalayan Glaciers?

  • Himalayan glaciers are of paramount importance in the Indian context, especially for the millions of dwellers living downstream who rely on these perennial rivers for their day-to-day water needs.
  • They are fast receding under the impacts of global warming, and stifling stress on the water resources is inevitable in the coming decades.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q Siachen Glacier is situated to the (2020)

(a) East of Aksai Chin
(b) East of Leh
(c) North of Gilgit 
(d) North of Nubra Valley

Ans: (d)

EXP:

  • The Siachen Glacier is located in the Eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, just northeast of Point NJ9842 where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends.
  • It has the distinction of being the largest glacier outside the polar and subpolar regions.
  • It lies to the west of Aksai Chin, north of Nubra valley, and almost east of Gilgit. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Source: PIB