Glacier Morphometry: a Case Study of Gangotri Group of Glaciers, Garhwal Himalaya, India

The glaciers especially in the Himalaya, are believed to be gradually receding. The present geomorphological investigation confirms the continued overall recession of Gangotri glaciers in the last hundred years. Gangotri group of glaciers comprise the main trunk glacier, and its major tributaries, Chaturangi, Kirti etc. along with other minor tributaries, as well as the associated glaciers, like Raktavarna, Mem and Bhrigupanth etc.

Various glacier morphometric parameters were calculated based on field observations and aided by a detailed study of the topographic maps and satellite imageries. Observed parameters are mainly, length, width and area of the glaciers, along with snout altitude, width of the snout etc. On the basis of these primary parameters, some secondary parameters like, relief ratio, elongation quotient and snout index were calculated and statistically analysed. The result shows that (a) the main trunk glacier is retreating, (b) almost all the tributary glaciers are advancing or retreating at a slower rate in comparison to the trunk glacier, but (c) The associated Bhrigupanth tributary is practically static. In this study, an attempt is being made to present a model for a retreating group of glaciers.