Western Himalayas' rock glaciers hold 17 km³ water

A recent study has revealed that there are 5,800 rock glaciers in the western Himalayas. These glaciers, found in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, are made of rocks and ice, which store water. Of these, 5,292 glaciers are classified as intact, meaning they contain significant ice and are active. The other 515 are relict, showing no movement and having little or no ice. The total area covered by these rock glaciers is about 712 square kilometers. Researchers estimate that if the ice from the intact glaciers melts, it could provide between 9 and 17 cubic kilometers of water. This is similar to the water held in several large lakes. The formation of these rock glaciers is linked to the climate, and their stability is crucial for maintaining water flow in the region. Lead researchers from the University of Kashmir highlighted that rock glaciers are important indicators of mountain permafrost and play a significant role in the hydrology of mountains. They noted that comprehensive studies on these glaciers are still in early stages. The study utilized satellite images to identify and classify the rock glaciers, which average around 0.12 square kilometers in size. The presence of these glaciers suggests widespread permafrost in the area. However, climate change and rising temperatures pose risks by potentially degrading permafrost and melting glacier ice. This can lead to geological hazards, including rock avalanches and floods. In terms of distribution, the glaciers are not evenly spread across the mountain ranges. The Zanskar range has the most glaciers at 1,763, while the Pir Panjal range has the fewest at 317. Rock glaciers can be found at elevations ranging from 3,190 to 5,753 meters, mainly facing north and northeast. This study provides updated methodologies and detailed characteristics of rock glaciers, emphasizing their importance as hydrological reserves in this ecologically sensitive region. It also highlights the need for better understanding and management of these glaciers, especially in the context of climate change.