Need of Harnessing Potential of Lichenometry for Glacier Retreat Studies in the Indian Himalayan Region

Abstract

In the present study an attempt has been made to attract the attention of the geologists, glaciologists and lichenologists of the world towards Himalaya. The Himalaya houses tremendous amount of eternal ice, and hence, is considered as the ‘Third Pole’ of earth. In the Asian Continent the Himalaya attains a very specific place and is considered as the ‘Water Tower’ of Asia. During recent decades the ice stored in the glaciers of Himalaya has shrunk considerably under the influence of global warming. Most of the Himalayan glaciers could not get desired field investigations due to their remoteness and unfavorable climate and are studied mostly through remote sensing based applications. In the present study, an attempt has been made to encourage the researchers to adapt lichenometry as a tool to investigate the retreat of Himalayan glaciers.