Wow! Researchers have made a super-detailed map of rock glaciers in the Western Himalayas, covering Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh regions. A team from the University of Kashmir, IIT Bombay, IISER Pune, and IIT Roorkee used really clear satellite pictures with a manual, grid-based technique to find 5,807 rock glaciers. This is amazing news for the whole world!
Super-detailed mapping shows 5,807 rock glaciers holding important water reserves!
The scientists used a one-kilometre grid to look closely at satellite pictures. They tracked the shapes and surface features of rock glaciers. They studied height, slope, and climate conditions from WorldClim. These help tell if the rock glaciers are still active or just remains. The debris cover on them protects the ice, making it melt slowly. This gives a steady water supply, which is really important for local water safety.
Really clear satellite pictures show exactly where rock glaciers are and what they look like.
The study shows that rock glaciers are secret but strong water sources in these dry, high mountains. Because they melt slowly, they give long-term climate help, especially where normal glaciers are melting fast. This helps them last longer, which is very useful!
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points: Researchers have created a super-detailed rock glacier map in the Western Himalayas. This unexpected development demonstrates significant water reserves in dry mountainous regions.
Amazingly, these hidden glaciers play a vital role in water security. This mapping provides astonishing insights into glacier resilience and resource management!
