Ladakh's Zanskar glaciers slowing down due to warming, impacting Indus basin water security
A new study reveals that glaciers in Ladakh's Zanskar region are moving slower than 30 years ago, indicating a significant impact of climate change. The study found that glaciers slowed by 2.4 m/year per decade and surface thinning increased from 0.22 m/year (2000-2005) to 0.57 m/year (2015-2020). This slowdown, caused by thinner ice exerting less driving force, has long-term implications for the Indus basin, which relies on glacier melt for summer river flows. While initial melting might temporarily increase runoff (peak water), a substantial decline in meltwater contributions is expected as glaciers lose stored ice, posing risks to water security, agriculture, and hydropower.
Key Points
- Glaciers in Ladakh's Zanskar region are slowing down, a direct consequence of global warming.
- The pace of glacier thinning has significantly increased over the past two decades.
- Glacier slowdown impacts the Indus basin's long-term water security, despite potential temporary increases in runoff.
- Continuous monitoring and adaptive water management are crucial for the sustainable use of this vital resource.
- The unique climatic setting of Ladakh's glaciers makes them valuable indicators of environmental change.
Exam Facts
- The study focused on 12 glaciers in the Zanskar Himalaya.
- Glaciers slowed by 2.4 m/year per decade on average.
- Surface thinning increased from 0.22 m/year (2000-2005) to 0.57 m/year (2015-2020).
- The study was published in The Cryosphere journal.
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