Surface evolution and dynamics of the Kangriz glacier, western Himalaya in past 50 years

Abstract

Glacier specific studies, in a relatively unexplored terrain of Ladakh, hold immense importance tocomprehend not only the glacier response but also its synchronicity with the general regional trend. Accordingly, in this study, the Kangriz glacier in the Suru sub-basin, western Himalaya, has been taken up for multiparametric (area, terminal retreat, debriscover, snow line altitude, surface dynamics) assessment for the period 1971–2018. Results reveal an overall shrinkage of 3.3 ± 1.6%, with an expansion in the supraglacial debris cover by 45% (1971–2018). Concomitantly, the glacier surface velocity has reduced by 10.85 ± 5.68 ma−1 (35%), from 31.2 ± 5.8 ma−1 (1993/94) to 20.3 ± 1.7 ma−1 (2017/18), with mass wastage of ‐0.52 ± 0.19 m w.e.a−1 during 2000–17. The notable glacier degeneration is synchronous with regional warming (Tmax increase by 7%, Tmin increase by 43%, Tavg increase by 64%) and a decrease in precipitation by 3% (significant at α <0.05). Besides, frontal dynamics have changed recently, with an enhanced intensity of terminal retreat (2016–2018: 57 ± 13(Stdev) ma−1). The overall glacier status suggests a degenerative pattern of the glacier, which is in sync with the other western Himalayan glaciers. In view of the recently amplified ice-calving events and rapid mass loss observed in the snout region, the frontal glacier morphology may change drastically in the coming years. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.