Snow covered with dust after Chamoli rockslide: inference based on high-resolution satellite data

Abstract

ABSTRACT The high-resolution multi-temporal PlanetScope image of 7 February 2021 clearly shows the fall of a large part of the Nanda Ghunti glacier (Uttarakhand) down in the base of the valley from a height of about 2000 m. The recorded seismic signals at the local seismic networks, close to the Joshimath station, show the occurrence of the fall of the first glacier block followed by another block which corresponds to the seismic signal recorded the second time. The timings of signals recorded from the seismic station are related to the visual sign of local dust in the valley after the fall of the glacier blocks at 05:01 AM and 05:28 AM UTC on 7 February 2021. In the present paper, we carried out the changes in spectral signatures of PlanetScope imageries and backscattering coefficients from Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data at six different locations. Our analysis suggests pronounced changes at all locations based on spectral signatures and backscattering coefficients due to deposition of snow dust due to the fall of the glacier blocks. Changes in surface wetness are evident after the melting of snow due to the deposition of dust in the valley.