Landscape and Landform Mapping in the Rongdo Basin, Eastern Karakoram, Ladakh, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Eastern Karakoram is one of the least studied areas with respect to glacial geomorphology due to its remoteness and inaccessibility and hostile climatic conditions, hence the use of remotely sensed data is indispensable in studying glaciers and related features of the region. In the present article, we present a comprehensive description of the glacial landforms and landscape evolution in the Rongdo basin Eastern Karakoram Ladakh, India. The region is dominated by well-preserved glacial features which offer an excellent opportunity to map and evaluate past glacial fluctuations. The mapping was carried out using high-resolution satellite data (Planet images), and Google Earth, along with ASTER GDEM scenes supplemented by field-based observations to delineate and map various glacial-geomorphological features in the region. The geomorphological landforms mapped include various types of erosional and depositional features. Based on the position of frontal and lateral moraines and glacial trimlines it is evident that the region has witnessed multiple episodes of glacial advances and experienced huge glacial thickness in the recent past. The study highlights role of a number of variables, including topography, climate, and geology, that have contributed to the formation and evolution of landscapes in study area. However detailed dating of the landforms in the region is vital in understanding the past glacial fluctuations and the impact of the climatic variations on the glaciers of the region.