On geomorphic manifestations and glaciation history of the Kangriz glacier, western Himalaya

Abstract

Glaciers modify the landscape, forming the erosional and depositional landforms, which in turn can be used for reconstructing the palaeoglacial events. However, the rates of landscape evolution and dynamics are poorly understood in the remote and inaccessible glaciated Himalayan environments. To help elucidate the origin of landforms and to quantify rates of landscape evolution in such an environment, we undertook an in-depth geomorphological investigation of the Kangriz glacier and adjoining areas, Suru sub-basin, western Himalayas (WH), Jammu and Kashmir, India. Based on detailed field investigations and large scale geomorphological mapping, five prominent stages of lateral moraines (Kangriz glacial stage: KGS-I to V) could be identified in chronological order along with several short lived glacial phases. Other than the lateral moraines, ~11 phases of retreat manifested as recessional mounds (RM) are preserved between KGS-IV 3 and the present day snout (PDS), which suggest an overall loss of ~619 m (length) and ~7 km (glacier volume) from KGS-IV to the present time. Though denuded, the location and dimensions of these RMs not only defines the strength of the respective degenerative phase but are clear evidences of an active glacier snout. Besides, palaeo-Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) reconstruction reveals an overall rise in the ELA by 966 m between the KGS-I and PDS (from 4357 to 5323 masl), which is suggestive of an overall warming of the climatic conditions. This study reiterates the necessity of analyzing the surrounding landscape in detail for developing a comprehensive understanding about the past behavior and present response of the glacier. © 2019, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. All rights reserved.