A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the Amrita School for Sustainable Futures of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala, has unveiled a looming environmental crisis in Kashmir. The research, led by Assistant Professor Remya S. N, reveals that more than 100 active permafrost structures, commonly known as rock glaciers, in the region are at risk of melting, posing a severe threat to the Jhelum river basin.
According to a report published in Down To Earth (DTE), the study indicates that these rock glaciers, which accumulate large amounts of water, are showing signs of swelling and displacement, indicative of permafrost melting. If the temperatures continue to rise, it could lead to massive devastation in the Jhelum basin, with potentially disastrous consequences for the region.
The Kedarnath-Sikkim Disaster Parallel
Remya warns that the transformation of glaciers into rock glaciers is a concerning trend, particularly in areas near Chirsar Lake and Bramsar Lake, which are at increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), similar to the tragic events witnessed in Kedarnath, Chamoli, and Sikkim. The precarious location of Chirsar Lake, perched on the edge of the Rock Glacier, raises the risk of rapid inundation and catastrophic flooding in low-lying areas of the valley.
International Collaboration in the Study
The research, published in the Earth and Space Science Journal of the American Geophysical Union, involved collaboration with prominent scientific institutions from India and abroad, including the Geological Survey of India, IIT Bombay, Monash Research Academy, Northumbria University, ISRO, and IISc Bengaluru.
Formation of Rock Glaciers and Their Appearance
Rock glaciers form in mountainous regions when permafrost, rock, and ice freeze together. This process has accelerated in the last five decades due to global warming. Geomorphologically, they may appear as grasslands or normal fields, leading to misconceptions about their true nature. Satellite images and on-ground studies conducted by Remya and her team identified 207 rock glaciers in an area exceeding 50 square kilometers.
Rising Temperatures and Melting Permafrost
As global temperatures continue to rise, permafrost, which has remained frozen for extended periods, is melting rapidly. The consequent risk of rock breaking from glaciers and subsequent melting poses a significant danger. Instances of landslides, mudslides, and other hazards are escalating, prompting concerns about the sustainability of human habitation in affected areas.
The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive research and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of melting permafrost, safeguarding vulnerable regions such as Kashmir from impending environmental disasters.
Edited by Dr. Brijendra Kumar Mishra, (Disaster Risk Reduction Expert)
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