Changing glacial lakes and associated outburst floods risks in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Indian Himalaya

A significant expansion of glacial lakes and heightened risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) have been identified in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Indian Himalaya. The study, using Landsat satellite imagery from 1976 to 2010, mapped 35 glacial lakes, with 14 located above 4500 meters, revealing a marked increase in their size and damage potential. Some lakes merged, forming larger bodies, all of which pose severe threats due to their GLOF risks. This research underscores the growing societal impact of climate-induced changes in the Himalayan region.

Mal, S., & Singh, R. B. (2014). Changing glacial lakes and associated outburst floods risks in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Indian Himalaya. Proceedings of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, 364, 255–260. https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-364-255-2014