Decline in the retreat of Gangotri glacier: Study
In an important revelation, scientists have found a recession in the rate of retreat of Gangotri glacier in the Himalaya in last three decades.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: In an important revelation, scientists have found a recession in the rate of retreat of Gangotri glacier in the Himalaya in last three decades.
Interestingly, the survey carried out using Global Positioning System (GPS) by G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Almora found that the glacier has retreated at much lower rate between 2004 and 2005.
The report is claimed to be the first and accurate on glacier retreat measurement using high precision GPS in India.
"Between 1935-71, the total recession of Gangotri glacier was 954.14 metres while between 1971-2004, the recession has declined to 564.99 metres," scientist Kireet Kumar, who led the survey, said in a paper published in latest issue of Current Science.
It has been observed that maximum recession took place along the centreline, followed by the northern portion of the snout.
The southern part of the snout is retreating at a significantly lower rate, the study said.
"The lower recession rate during 2004-05 possibly indicates the high and frequent snowfall recorded in that area during the 2004 winter," he said.
Gangotri glacier, located in Uttarkashi, is the precise source of the Bhagirathi river, an important tributary of the Ganga.
Interestingly, the survey carried out using Global Positioning System (GPS) by G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Almora found that the glacier has retreated at much lower rate between 2004 and 2005.
The report is claimed to be the first and accurate on glacier retreat measurement using high precision GPS in India.
"Between 1935-71, the total recession of Gangotri glacier was 954.14 metres while between 1971-2004, the recession has declined to 564.99 metres," scientist Kireet Kumar, who led the survey, said in a paper published in latest issue of Current Science.
It has been observed that maximum recession took place along the centreline, followed by the northern portion of the snout.
The southern part of the snout is retreating at a significantly lower rate, the study said.
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"The lower recession rate during 2004-05 possibly indicates the high and frequent snowfall recorded in that area during the 2004 winter," he said.
Gangotri glacier, located in Uttarkashi, is the precise source of the Bhagirathi river, an important tributary of the Ganga.
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