Surge-type glaciers in Karakoram Mountain and possible catastrophes alongside a portion of the Karakoram Highway

Abstract

Along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) region, glacier surge, avalanche and debris flow play a dominant role in these disasters. The data of surge-type glaciers along the KKH are collected and analyzed in this study. We identified 15 surge-type glaciers, which may have potential disasters, and all were about 20 km away from the highway. The results indicated that the surge-type glaciers may seriously affect the operation of the Karakoram Highway and may have disastrous consequences in extreme cases. It should be paid more attention, and a more comprehensive and updated assessment is much needed.