Khangri Glacier Expedition Uncovers Hidden Treasures and Raises Alarming Climate Concerns in Arunachal Pradesh
Image Source: Internet
In a groundbreaking achievement, the fourth Khangri Glacier scientific expedition has made significant discoveries in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district. Led by senior glaciologist Dr Parmanand Sharma, the team of 11 scientists and engineers from various institutions successfully carried out high-resolution aerial surveys of the Khangri Glacier and Rani Lake using advanced drone platforms. A major breakthrough came from an unmanned sonar-based bathymetric survey of Rani Lake, which revealed aquatic life at a depth of 20 meters - an astonishing finding in a high-altitude glacial environment. The team also retrieved crucial summer-season data from automatic weather stations and water level recorders installed on the glacier. One of the most notable achievements of this year's expedition was the first-ever scientific scaling and reconnaissance of Dharkha Tso, a high-risk glacial lake. Located at 16,145 ft in the Mirathang Valley, the lake posed significant logistical challenges, including navigating through over 3 feet of snow and hazardous gorges. However, the team persevered and completed aerial drone mapping, water and sediment sampling for a detailed GLOF hazard assessment. The expedition, conducted from November 8 to 14, is a joint initiative of the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. The mission aims to deepen understanding of glacier dynamics, climate change impacts, and water resource sustainability in the Eastern Himalayas. The successful completion of the fourth expedition marks a significant step forward in India's scientific efforts to study glacier health, meltwater contribution, hydrometeorological patterns, and glacial lake outburst flood risks in the Eastern Himalayas. The findings from this expedition will be crucial in informing policies and strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region.
