Monitoring and early warning system of Cirenmaco glacial lake in the central Himalayas

Abstract

The Himalayas are home to many high-risk glacial lakes. Effective prevention of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in this region has recently become an urgent priority. As a major element of an integrated risk management strategy, the GLOF early warning system is a viable and promising tool for mitigating climate change-related risks. It prevents loss of life and reduces the economic and societal impacts of disasters. Within the framework of the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research program, we developed and implemented a monitoring and early warning system (EWS) for Cirenmaco, a transboundary high-risk glacial lake located in the central Himalayas. The EWS consists of monitoring lake-level change, end-moraine displacement, ice collapse, and downstream runoff. The monitoring data can be transmitted via the Beidou and Inmarsat satellites and a mobile network to the data center. The in-situ and real-time monitoring guarantee captures the precursors of ice collapse and glacial lake outburst and raises alarms in advance for downstream communities. In terms of data transmission, monitoring elements, and warning thresholds, the Cirenmaco EWS scheme is one of the most advanced among all similar GLOF early warning systems. Implementing an early warning system is the most practical strategy for mitigating potential threats to Himalayan high-risk glacial lakes. The EWS system is less expensive than lake dam immobilization and artificial drainage projects, and it provides more valuable environmental monitoring data in high mountain areas. The Cirenmaco EWS serves an effective demonstration for the construction of similar projects to prevent and mitigate GLOFs in the Himalayas.