Inventory of Glacial Lakes and its Evolution in Uttarakhand Himalaya Using Time Series Satellite Data

Glacier recession and the expansion of glacial lakes in the recent decade is an observable fact in the Himalayan Cryosphere. The present study used the potential of Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) high resolution LISS IV multispectral data to generate the latest inventory of glacial lakes in Uttarakhand Himalaya. A combination of five different types and a total of the 362 glacial lakes were identified in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The historical Corona and Hexagon data were analysed for the growth of selected glacial lakes. Pro-glacial/moraine-dammed lakes are growing consequent to the recession of the glaciers. The inventory shows eight glacial lakes are critical considering the outburst potential. This shows the glacial lakes are dynamics in nature and vary, dimension and type in time and space.

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