Influence of Climate Change on Formation and Stability of Glacial Lakes in the Himalayas

Nabajit A. Singh (), Pranjal Jamir () and S.K. Kumar ()

Journal of Environmental and Geographical Studies, 2024, vol. 3, issue 1, 34 - 45

Abstract: Aim: This study aimed to analyze the influence of climate change on the formation and stability of glacial lakes in the Himalayas, with a focus on understanding the impacts on local communities, water resources, and regional ecosystems. Methods: A desktop literature review was used in this study. Relevant journal articles for the study were identified using search engines such as Google Scholar, Google Books, Semantic Scholar, Science.gov and ResearchGate. Results: The study revealed that climate change has played a significant role in the formation and stability of glacial lakes in the Himalayas. As temperatures continue to rise, the rate of glacial retreat and melting has accelerated, leading to the formation of new glacial lakes and the expansion of existing ones. This has resulted in an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), posing threats to downstream communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Conclusion: Changes in precipitation patterns and temperature regimes have altered the hydrological dynamics of glacial lakes in the Himalayas, affecting their volume, water levels, and stability. Variations in the timing and intensity of meltwater inputs, coupled with the destabilization of moraine dams and ice dams, have increased the occurrence of GLOFs. Recommendation: Further research is needed to better understand the long-term impacts of climate change on glacial lakes and their surrounding ecosystems, as well as to identify best practices for enhancing the resilience of local communities and ecosystems to these changes.

Keywords: Climate change; glacial lakes; Himalayas; glacial lake outburst floods; adaptation; mitigation; glacial retreat (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cjk:ojjegs:v:3:y:2024:i:1:p:34-45:id:239

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