Remya, SN and Ghosh, T and Agarwal, V and Majeed, Z and Govindha Raj K, B and Sharma, A and Kulkarni, AV and Ahmad Mukhtar, M and Mishra, R (2024) A Framework to Identify Rock Glaciers and Model Mountain Permafrost in the Jhelum Basin, Kashmir Himalaya, India. In: Earth and Space Science, 11 (1).
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Abstract
Deglaciation has led to the transformation of glaciers into rock glaciers in various mountainous regions worldwide. However, the science of permafrost and rock glaciers remains under-researched in the Himalayan region. This study presents a detailed inventory, dynamics, and permafrost distribution map for the Jhelum basin in the Kashmir Himalaya. The Permafrost Zonation Map (PZM) is created using a Logistic Regression Model based on topographic and climatic variables. High-resolution satellite images are used to identify rock glaciers as visual indicators. Active and relic rock glaciers are classified based on surface topography and geomorphology. Results reveal 207 rock glaciers in the Jhelum basin, covering �50 km2, with over 100 falling into the active category. The PZM aligns well with the global permafrost zonation index map. Slope, aspect, and elevation of rock glaciers are computed using the ASTER Digital Elevation Model. The average elevations range from 3,700 m to 4,550 m, and the average surface slope ranges from 12° to 26°, with maximum slopes from 25° to 65°. Most rock glaciers are oriented toward the south or southeast. Field investigations confirm that these rock glaciers occur in highly elevated regions with steep slopes. This study provides valuable information on the high areal abundance of permafrost in the Himalayan region and suggests increased risks of thawing permafrost due to climate warming in the future. The findings contribute to the understanding of permafrost and rock glaciers, filling knowledge gaps in the Himalayan context. © 2023 The Authors. Earth and Space Science published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Geophysical Union.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Earth and Space Science |
| Publisher: | John Wiley and Sons Inc |
| Additional Information: | The copyright for this article belongs to Author. |
| Keywords: | ASTER; deglaciation; geomorphology; permafrost; rock glacier; topography, Himalayas; Jhelum River |
| Department/Centre: | Division of Mechanical Sciences > Divecha Centre for Climate Change |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Mar 2024 06:02 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Mar 2024 06:02 |
| URI: | https://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/84001 |
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