Uttarakhand

• 07 Dec 2024

Growing Glacier in Uttarakhand's Niti Valley

Why in News?

Recently, in a remarkable discovery, scientists have identified a rapidly expanding glacier in Uttarakhand's Niti Valley.  

• The study, titled "Manifestations of a Glacier Surge in Central Himalaya Using Multi-Temporal Satellite Data," utilized satellite imagery to observe the glacier's rapid growth. 

Key Points

• This new glacier, which stretches about 10 kilometers in length and spans approximately 48 square kilometers, is located near the Randolph and Rekana glaciers in the remote northern region of the state, close to the India-Tibet border. 
• The glacier is currently experiencing a "surge” i.e., a sudden and rapid increase in the size of a glacier, which can be caused by hydrological imbalances.  
  • These imbalances occur when water infiltrates the ice layers, weakening them and causing the ice to slide downward. 
• The discovery of this fast-growing glacier has significant implications for the region's environment and climate.  
  • Glacial surges can lead to increased risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which pose a threat to downstream communities and infrastructure.  
    • Understanding the dynamics of such glaciers is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. 
  • As global temperatures rise, the behavior of glaciers in this region is becoming increasingly unpredictable, necessitating ongoing monitoring and study.