1st study of Kumaon’s largest glacier begins

Pramod Dalakoti / TNN / Updated: Nov 30, 2023, 14:39 IST

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Scientists at GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment in Almora started studying Kumaon’s Milam Glacier, second largest in the state after Gangotri Glacier, to know changes on the glacier due to global warming. The study aims to predict the impact of climate change and list precautionary measures. The glacier, situated 61km from Munsiyari, stands 4,250 metres above sea level and is the origin of the river Gori Ganga. The research will focus on glacier retreat, river flow changes, rate of melting, water level impact, glacier shifting, and climate change impact in Kumaon region.

1st study of Kumaon’s largest glacier begins

Milam Glacier is situated 61km from Munsiyari. It stands 4,250 metres above sea level and river Gori Ganga, a tributary of the river Kali, originates from here

ALMORA: The glaciers of the Himalayan state have also been impacted by climate change and are continuously shrinking.
Scientists at GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment in Almora started studying Kumaon’s Milam Glacier, second largest in the state after Gangotri Glacier.
Scientists started the study to know changes on the glacier due to global warming so that the impact of climate change can be predicted and precautionary measures can be listed.
Milam Glacier, the largest glacier in Kumaon, is situated 61km from Munsiyari. It stands 4,250 metres above sea level and river Gori Ganga, a tributary of the river Kali, originates from Milam. Recently, scientists visited the spot and collected necessary information about the glacier.

“Scientists started a study into the matter for the first time. Whatever equipment is required to collect precise data will be provided by the institute,” said institute director Sunil Nautiyal.
The team is focusing on how much the glacier is retreating and how the river’s flow is changing here. The study will also include the rate of glacier melting, effect on water level of rivers, how much the glacier has shifted since formation, and impact of climate change in Kumaon region, among other things. Previous research on the area suggested the Milam Glacier is melting.
The research paper claimed the surface height of Milam Glacier is decreasing annually and expressed concern.

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