Ladakh’s giant ‘rivers of ice’ are slowing as the mountains warm
Glacier slowdown has long-term implications for the Indus basin, where glacier melt contributes significantly to river flows during the summer. More melting may temporarily increase runoff, a phenomenon called peak water — but once glaciers lose a substantial fraction of their stored ice, the meltwater contributions are expected to drop
Glaciers in Ladakh's Zanskar region are moving at a slower pace compared to three decades ago, according to a new study. These glaciers are often referred to as 'rivers of ice' due to their role in transporting ice from high mountain regions to lower areas. The Zanskar region is known for its vast and extensive glaciers, which act as natural reservoirs of freshwater.
This freshwater is released as meltwater during warmer months, providing a vital seasonal supply for rivers, ecosystems, agriculture, and local communities in the otherwise arid Ladakh region.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
