Laminar Ice Flow Model-Based Thickness and Volume Estimation of Karakoram Glaciers

Abstract

Glaciers are the true guide that reflects the impact caused by global temperature rise. The challenging rugged terrain of Karakoram is the reason for a very little exploration of glaciers in that region. With the advent of remote-sensing techniques and data products, the glacier dynamic parameters such as ice thickness and surface flow velocity in Karakoram are explored. The present study involves the laminar ice flow model-based estimation of thickness for benchmark glaciers (Hispar, Batura, Baltoro, Biafo, Siachen, Rimo, Mani, Pratikrisht, Kutiah, and Avadyah) of five basins of Karakoram Range. Digital elevation model, surface flow velocity of the benchmark glaciers for HY 2017–18, and other parameters have been used as inputs for the model. Siachen Glacier possesses a maximum ice thickness of 895.96 m with an average ice thickness of around 81.75 m. Batura, Biafo, Baltoro, and Rimo glaciers possess ice thickness values greater than 500 m. Hispar, Mani, Pratikrisht, Kutiah, and Avadyah possess ice thickness values less than 500 m. From this study, it is evident that the thickness of the glaciers varies spatially due to the bedrock topography and elevation. Thus, the ice thickness of benchmark glaciers of Karakoram is higher than the ice thickness of Himalayan glaciers. The estimated total volume of water accumulated in the benchmark glaciers of the Karakoram using area and average ice thickness of glaciers is 288.20 km3. Thus, ice volume estimates are crucial for managing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) hazards.