Glacial lakes are water bodies formed at the base of glaciers, typically bordered by moraines, which are deposits of earth and stones left by glaciers. These lakes emerge as glaciers melt, and they are predominantly found in mountainous regions, such as the Himalayas.
The rise in the number of glacial lakes is largely attributed to the accelerated melting of glaciers driven by altered weather patterns and global warming. This phenomenon has resulted in the emergence of more moraine-dammed lakes in these high-altitude areas.
Recent studies indicate a significant increase in the number of glacial lakes within the Satluj river catchment area, rising from 562 lakes in 2019 to 1,048 lakes in 2023.
Among the 1,048 glacial lakes identified in 2023, approximately 900 are classified as small, measuring less than five hectares each. Additionally, 89 lakes fall between 5 and 10 hectares, while 59 lakes exceed 10 hectares in size.
Glacial lakes represent considerable risks to human life and infrastructure situated downstream. If these lakes overflow due to heightened water volume or instability from adjacent glacier calving, they can trigger catastrophic flooding.
The regions located downstream of glacial lakes, especially along river basins in Himachal Pradesh and the Tibetan region, are particularly vulnerable. These areas could experience severe flooding and substantial damage if a glacial lake were to breach.
Research indicates that the Tibetan Himalayan region, particularly the Upper Satluj basin, hosts a greater number of glacial lakes compared to the Spiti and Lower Satluj basins. This suggests a heightened impact of climate change in the higher elevations of the basin.
Monitoring the increase in glacial lakes is conducted using multi-spectral satellite imagery. This technology aids in tracking changes in glacier health and the formation of lakes. Such monitoring is essential for assessing risks and developing strategies for mitigation.
The rise of glacial lakes due to climate change poses significant challenges in Himachal Pradesh and Tibet. Understanding their dynamics and monitoring their effects is vital for disaster management and the safety of communities living downstream.
Q1. What are glacial lakes?
Answer: Glacial lakes are water bodies formed at the base of glaciers, often surrounded by moraines, created by melting glaciers in mountainous areas.
Q2. Why is the number of glacial lakes increasing?
Answer: The increase is primarily due to rapid glacier melting caused by climate change and global warming, leading to more moraine-dammed lakes.
Q3. What risks do glacial lakes pose?
Answer: They pose significant risks of flooding downstream if they burst due to increased water volume or instability from glacier calving.
Q4. How are glacial lakes monitored?
Answer: Monitoring is done using multi-spectral satellite images, which help track glacier health and the formation of glacial lakes.
Q5. Which areas are most affected by glacial lake outbursts?
Answer: Areas downstream of glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh and Tibet are most at risk and could face severe flooding if a lake bursts.
Question 1: What are glacial lakes primarily formed from?
A) Rainwater
B) Melted glaciers
C) River flow
D) Underground springs
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which region has seen an increase in glacial lakes in recent years?
A) Western Ghats
B) Thar Desert
C) Himalayan region
D) Deccan Plateau
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is a significant risk associated with glacial lakes?
A) Drought
B) Landslides
C) Flooding
D) Earthquakes
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: How are glacial lakes being monitored?
A) Manual surveys
B) Satellite imagery
C) Local reports
D) Aerial photography
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which area is at greater risk due to glacial lake outbursts?
A) Coastal regions
B) Urban centers
C) River basins in Himachal Pradesh
D) Agricultural plains
Correct Answer: C
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