Abstract
In this study climatic variability trends in the Karakoram Mountains range of the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) was studied. The data obtained from two stations including WAPDA (1995–2020) and PMD (1986–2015) were analyzed for mean annual and seasonal trends. Results showed decline in mean seasonal (summer, winter and autumn) minimum and maximum temperature and solar radiation, while increase in temperature observed during the spring season. Moreover, an increase in seasonal precipitation in all seasons and increase in mean maximum and minimum relative humidity were observed in all seasons. The mean thickness of supra glacier debris on Barpu glacier (study glacier) was measured 1–1.5 feet at the study area (ablation zone).Questionnaire study was also conducted to record the indigenous perception. According to the local inhabitants, the rate of retreating of Barpu glacier is slowly and no considerable changes of snout observed during the last two to three decades. It is also confirmed by taking snout coordinates during the year 2013 and 2022, so there is no any fluctuation of snout throughout the study period. Due to decrease in seasonal (summer, winter and autumn) temperature, solar radiation, and increase in summer, autumn and winter precipitation and all seasonal increase relative humidity consequently facilitate the establishment of Karakoram anomaly. Therefore Barpu glacier in central Karakorum shows stable or low melting rate. The glaciers in Karakorum region shows diverse response to global warming as their counterpart elsewhere.