Reconstruction of the moraine dammed lake, based on field evidence and paleo-history, Samudra Tapu Glacier, Chandra Basin, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Peri-glacial studies of the Samudra Tapu glacier reveal three stages of well preserved moraines which are also marked by fluvial overprinting. The signatures of fluvial outwashes over the otherwise morainal deposits have been utilized in estimating the extent of palaeo-lake in the valley of Samudra Tapu glacier of the Chandra basin. Distance and thickness of snout of the glacier and its morainal deposits is estimated by the Laser Range Finder. With the change in the position of the snout there is a change in the extent and orientation of the lake. Recent expedition to the glacier confirms this process to be continuing. The study is important in reconstructing formation of the lake with respect to snout position of the glacier. Based on ground truth, fast melting of the snout is confirmed from year 2004 onwards, with the development of fresh end/terminal moraine. The study reveals that the snout region of the Samudra Tapu glacier is thinning and retreating at an alarming rate and is enlarging the lake extent. The development of fresh terminal moraine has the potential to impound the fast melting glacial waters which in turn can pose serious threat to the downstream regions of the Chandra valley.