Journal of Geological Society of India (Online archive from Vol 1 to Vol 78)

Surendar Kumar ¹, D. P. Dobhal ¹

Affiliations
1 Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Dehra Dun- 248001, IN

Abstract

The snout fluctuation of Chhota Shigri Glacier has been examined for the period of 1962 to 1989. This period can be characterised as one of general retreat. The morainic levels at different positions and altitudes show the past extension of the glacier, eventhough then is no documented record of past advance and retreat of the glacier. But on the basis of the different morainic deposits the nature of past extension and deglaciation history of the glacier can be inferred. There are six such morainic levels recognised in the field. On the basis of these deposits the total retreat of glacier is calculated as about 2.5 km. since its break from the main Chandra Valley glacier, The present fluctuation study (1 962- 1989) shows that the glacier has been almost retreating expect in 1987 when it advanced about 17.5m. The totd recession of glacier during the period of 26 years was about 195m with an average rate of 7.5m/yr.

Keywords

Glacier, Moraine, Geomorphology, Himachal Pradesh.

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D. P. Dobhal ¹, Surendar Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun - 248 001, IN

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh has over 80% of mountain terrain. The inventory of glacier in such a terrain is carried out by the Remote Sensing Techniques (RST). About 10% of the lotal mountainous area in the Himachal Himalaya is covered with permanent snow and ice. The whole mountainous area has been divided into six basins as defined by the outlet of the glaciers. Six hundred and one glaciers have been identified in these basins. Studies show that the distribution of these glaciers is uneven. Majority of glaciers are concentrated in the Chandra-Bhagha (200), Beas-Parvati (80), Ravi (54), Malung (40), Spiti (159) and Satluj (68) basins. The summer snow line fluctuates between 4000 to 5000 m (mst). The total area of these basins is about 48,034 sq km, of which 4,516 sq km is covered by permanent snow. Hence, the total mountainous area of Himachal consists of about 60% of seasonal snow cover and 10% area is permanent snow and ice covered, the remaining 30% area is snow-free in the lower altitudes.

Keywords

Geology, Inventory of Glaciers, Himachal Himalaya.

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Renoj J. Thayyen ¹, J. T. Gergan ¹, D. P. Dobhal ¹

Affiliations
1 Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun - 248 001, IN

Abstract

Discharge, electrical conductivity and suspended sediment concentrations of Dokriani glacial meltwater were observed from 8 May to 31 October 1994. The comprehensive database on hydrological parameters of an Indian Himalayan glacier so obtained suggests a close relationship between suspended sediment transfer characteristics and glacier drainage evolution during the 1994 ablation period.

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