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IHG (Institute of Himalayan Glaciology):-

Identified thrust areas of study

To begin with, the IHG will focus on conducting studies in Jammu & Kashmir State. Considering the magnitude of the task, the work has to be undertaken in a phased manner. The gamut of observations would cover the following work/ study : 
a) Large scale Topographic and Thematic Maps: A large scale topographic map of each glacier basin on the scale of 1:10,000 has to be prepared that carries detailed topographical information of the basin, including the crevasses, moraines, cliffs, hydrological characteristics of basin, relief of terrain, etc. The maps prepared by Survey of India (SOI) are available on the scale of 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 where some of the minor features are lost. The thematic maps are equally important for the researchers working in the field/s of geology, vegetation, soil, etc. These maps can be prepared by professionals, such as SOI against proper projects. 
b) Mass Balance : Mass balance study of a glacier is an important aspect of glaciology. The study helps in evaluating any increase or decrease in the volume of ice body during a fixed period of time. These studies not only help in evolving the impact of climate change on a glacier but also the impact on glacier melts. Factors responsible for increase in glacier volume (positive mass balance) or decrease in glacier volume (negative mass balance) in Himalaya are not well understood. Lack of data on this aspect serves constrain in evaluating the factors that are responsible for fluctuation in glacier mass balance and glacier melt water flow. 
c) Glacier Hydrology : Contributions of glacier melt water to Himalayan rivers is substantial. Glaciers play major role in controlling the hydrology of Himalayan rivers, climate of the subcontinent and are also indicator of the effect of climate change and environment. Any fluctuation in this contribution is found to have impact on the hydroelectric power and the irrigation potential of the rivers. The need of glacial hydrometry assumes importance today as the dams and hydroelectric power plants are being built in high altitude in Himalaya. A very important aspect of glacial hydrometry is the sudden influx of water released by glacial and sub glacial outbursts that can be chief reason for flash floods. 
d) Sediment Transfer : Glacier melt water carry sediments partly in suspension and partly as bed load. One of the prime problems posed to the hydropower plant is damage to turbines by high inflow of silt/sediment from glaciated region. Systematic study of sediment in glacial streams gives valuable information on the effect of glacier erosion, amount of sediment which might be expected in natural or artificial reservoirs. For proper management of hydropower plants and irrigation project in the basin, it is highly desirable that a proper assessment is made to quantify the glacial sediment transfer. Lack of understanding of the sediment transfer from glaciated regions and standard data has resulted in inadequate incorporation of glacial sediment data in the planning and operation of mountain water resource system. 
e) Glacier Dynamics : Dynamics of glacier requires the understanding of the flow field in a glacier. Mass distribution, energy and temperature distribution, entrainment of debris, character of moraine, crevasse formation, etc can be explained by the study of glacier dynamics and mechanics. Basal sliding is the major component of flow in case of Himalayan glaciers. Unfortunately, no theoretical expression is available to understand realistic basal boundary glacier flow condition. The exercise of understanding glacier dynamics of Himalayan glacier will ultimately focus towards predicting future flow behavior under given present state and future climate. 
f) Glacier Geomorphology : Geomorphic features of glaciated terrain are the direct record of glacial activity in the past from few hundred years to a few million of years. They provide geological record of fluctuation of the snow line and glacier extent. Applied geomorphological studies of glaciated region are essential for the planning and development of glaciated regions of Himalaya.
g) Glacier Hazard : There are three processes that cause extreme floods in glacier basins , a] sudden outbursts of stored water from ice dammed lakes, b] extreme melt rates, and c] storm precipitation. Outbursts can be several times greater than the floods produced by even extreme rainfall. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and jokulhaup or glacier burst not only causes destruction of life and property but also play an important role in generating the non-monsoon floods and very high concentration of sediments in rivers. Such events affect the capacity of dams and disrupt the smooth functioning of power stations. Our knowledge on GLOF is very limited and greater understanding of these problems is necessary to predict the events and reduce its effect.

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