The fourth Khangri glacier expedition began recently in the Mago Chu basin, located beneath the majestic Gorichen Mountain in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district. This significant scientific mission aims to explore how Himalayan glaciers respond to climate change.
This week-long expedition, running until November 15, is a joint effort by the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CESHS) and the National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research (NCPOR). Dr. Parmanand Sharma, a leading glaciologist in India, is heading this diverse team of scientists and engineers from various institutions, including Nagaland University and the North East Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST).
Despite the extensive glaciated areas in Arunachal Pradesh, researchers note that there is limited detailed study of the glaciers here. Currently, the state hosts 161 glaciers, covering about 223 square kilometers across four main basins: Manas, Subansiri, Kameng, and Dibang. Alarmingly, none of these glaciers have been subjected to long-term monitoring to assess their mass balance or dynamics.
The expedition’s main goal is to systematically study the glaciers’ mass balance and movement. This research will help scientists understand how these glaciers react differently to climate changes. The team will also explore glacial lakes and evaluate the risks associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Such floods can be dangerous, threatening communities and infrastructure downstream.
These glacial basins are crucial for hydrology since they are the source of the Brahmaputra river system, essential for millions of people in northeastern India. Insights from this expedition may clarify how climate change affects the delicate balance between ice, climate, and water systems in the Eastern Himalayas.
Notably, in recent studies, approximately 80% of Himalayan glaciers are retreating due to rising temperatures. This expedition is a step towards addressing the urgent need for understanding climate impacts on water availability, which is vital for the region’s long-term water security.
By investigating uncharted glacial systems, this expedition hopes to significantly enhance our understanding of climate change and its effects on the environment.
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Tana Tage, Mago Chu basin, Kameng, Indian, the
National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research NCPOR, Subansiri, Brahmaputra, Gorichen Mountain, Himalayas, Dr Parmanand, NCPOR, Nagaland University, Tawang, India, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
