Understanding Glacial Retreat in the Indian Himalaya

Abstract

One of the most important and visible indicators of global climate change is the recession of glaciers in many parts of the world. The findings of the IPCC Assessment Report (2007) suggest that there has been a significant decline in mountain glaciers and snow cover, which has contributed to the increased sea levels and water flow changes in river basins. In the latter half of 20th century, an increase in the rate of retreat has been observed in Himalayan Glaciers since advent of industrialization. The paper attempts to present a critical review and understanding of the recent changes in retreat of selected Himalayan glaciers from potential climate change. The study explores scientific evidence and analysis of observed data from a large and a small glacier in the Indian Himalaya. This will help in understanding the vulnerability of retreat of the glaciers based on their size. The larger glaciers are unlikely to disappear in the near future, due to its large mass balance and large response time due to climatic changes. Future adaptation needs, research and action for downstream communities, ecosystems and impacts on power sector are discussed.