Glaciers are massive, slow-moving bodies of ice formed from accumulated and compressed snow over many years. They are essential as they contain nearly 70% of the Earth's freshwater. In India, glaciers serve as the primary source for major rivers like the Ganges, which millions rely on for their daily water needs.
A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) refers to the rapid release of a significant volume of water from a glacial lake, resulting in flash floods. These events pose a considerable threat in mountainous regions of India, particularly in the Himalayas.
On October 4, 2023, a GLOF event occurred in Sikkim due to an outburst from the South Lhonak glacial lake. This catastrophic incident triggered flash floods in the Teesta River basin, affecting around 88,400 individuals.
Over the years, the South Lhonak Lake has shown signs of expansion, primarily due to external environmental factors. This growth indicates an increasing risk of GLOFs in the region, highlighting the urgency of monitoring glacial health.
The Himalayan glaciers face several significant threats, including:
Since 2011, the number of glacial water bodies in the Himalayan region has increased by 11%. A notable rise of 10.81% in the area of Himalayan glacial lakes was recorded in 2024, further underscoring the changing dynamics of these vital water sources.
Currently, 67 glacial lakes in India have seen a 40% increase in surface area, categorizing them as high-risk for GLOFs. This increase necessitates immediate attention and management strategies to mitigate potential disasters.
According to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the causes of GLOF incidents include:
ICIMOD employs satellite imagery to monitor changes in glaciers and glacial lakes, which is essential for predicting potential GLOFs. This technology plays a crucial role in understanding and managing glacial dynamics.
Glaciers are crucial, holding nearly 70% of the Earth's freshwater. Their preservation is vital for maintaining water supply and ecological balance.
Since 1833, there have been 700 recorded GLOF incidents, with 70% occurring in the last 50 years. This significant rise indicates a troubling trend that requires urgent attention.
Black carbon emissions have significantly affected glaciers in India, with reductions of approximately 1.27 meters observed in regions like Drass. This highlights the need for pollution control measures.
While glaciers are a focal point, groundwater is another critical yet often overlooked water source in India. Its significance is highlighted when compared to visible water bodies like rivers, underscoring the need for comprehensive water management strategies.
Recognizing and addressing the challenges associated with groundwater and glacial lakes is complicated due to their often hidden nature. This makes monitoring pollution and potential GLOFs difficult, necessitating improved strategies.
Q1. What are glaciers and why are they important in India?
Answer: Glaciers are large masses of ice formed from compressed snow, holding nearly 70% of the Earth's freshwater. In India, they are vital as sources for major rivers like the Ganges, supporting millions.
Q2. What is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?
Answer: A GLOF is the sudden release of water from a glacial lake, leading to flash floods, particularly in regions like the Himalayas, posing significant risks to nearby communities.
Q3. What caused the recent GLOF in Sikkim?
Answer: The 2023 GLOF in Sikkim was triggered by an outburst from the South Lhonak glacial lake, resulting in flash floods that affected thousands in the Teesta River basin.
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