A recent study has highlighted the concerning retreat of the Chaturangi Glacier, a tributary of the Gangotri glaciers. This is seen as an alarming manifestation of climate change and its impact on our environment. The study was undertaken by the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development in conjunction with the Centre for Earth Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The data for this research was procured from satellite records spanning 1989 to 2016, analyzed with the help of the Kinematic Global Positioning System (GPS).
Understanding Kinematic GPS
Kinematic GPS is an innovative satellite navigation technique designed to enhance the precision of collected data from satellite-based positioning systems. This technology was crucial in the assessment of the Chaturangi Glacier’s state.
Key Findings of the Study
The research concluded that the Chaturangi glacier is experiencing a significant retreat and may potentially disappear in the future. It was connected to the Gangotri glacier until 1989 but has since detached and is retreating at a rate of roughly 22.84 m/year. The study also points out that the rate of retreat is not solely determined by climate change. Factors such as glacier size, type, topographic setting, and debris cover also significantly influence this rate. The Chaturangi glacier retreats faster than the Gangotri due to its smaller size and quicker response time to climatic changes.
Table of Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Gangotri Glacier Location | Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand |
| Gangotri Glacier Size | 30 km long and 0.5 to 2.5 km wide |
| Main Tributaries of Gangotri Glacier | Raktavaran (15.90 km), Chaturangi (22.45 km) and Kirti (11.05 km) |
Implications of Glacier Retreat
The retreat of glaciers like Chaturangi and Raktavaran will drastically affect the flow and water levels in the Ganga, as it originates from the Gangotri glacier. This retreat also presents dire consequences for human life. The Land Use Land Cover Change program by NASA forecasts significant effects on water supplies within the Himalayan region due to glacial melt. Agriculture will be affected, with potential soil loss resulting from soil erosion, landslides, and floods. Further complications might arise in the form of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), caused by the formation of glacial lakes from the accumulated melted ice.
Insights about Gangotri Glacier
The Gangotri glacier originates from the northern slope of the Chaukhamba range of peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is not a single valley glacier but consists of several other glaciers. Key tributaries include Raktavaran, Chaturangi, and Kirti among 18 others. The Bhagirathi, one of the main tributaries of the Ganga, originates from the Gangotri glacier, highlighting its significance. The Ganges’ five headstreams—the Bhagirathi, the Alaknanda, the Mandakini, the Dhauliganga, and the Pindar—all originate in the mountainous terrain of northern Uttarakhand.
