A recent study of the Khangri Glacier in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh has caused consternation across Northeast India. Scientists believe that the glacier is melting too fast, causing the soil in mountainous areas to lose its stability. This situation may pose a major threat to the people of the southern part of the Mago Chu basin. The sensational results came during a special expedition led by the Center for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies.
Scientists have studied the Khangri glacier and found that the face of the glacier is gradually collapsing, leaving a kind of deep crater or landslide zone. These changes have multiplied the risk of landslides and other disasters in mountainous areas. Even more alarming is that a new glacial lake has formed at about 16,500 feet. If the lake bursts suddenly, it could cause flash floods in the tributaries of the Brahmaputra as well as the southern regions which scientists call bays.
Despite a good snowpack this winter, rising temperatures have not stopped the glacier melting process. Instead, this part of the Himalayas has become highly sensitive to climate change. Realizing the importance of the situation, scientists have installed new scientific instruments at a height of 17,000 feet to accurately monitor the movement of the glacier and the extent to which it is melting. This information is expected to help predict any major risks that may occur in the future.
post Arunachal Pradesh: Glaciers melting fast: Severe floods likely in southern region appeared first Northeast Now (Assamese).
