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13 August 2026

Ladakh glacier melting study

The study provides specific scientific data on glacier dynamics in the Himalayas, which serves as valuable context for questions regarding climate change, environmental degradation, and water security in India.

1 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • A study in the journal 'The Cryosphere' analyzed 12 glaciers in the Zanskar region of Ladakh from 1992 to 2023.
  • Findings indicate that Zanskar glaciers are moving 2.4 m/year slower per decade on average.
  • Surface thinning rate increased from 0.22 m/year (2000-2005) to 0.57 m/year (2015-2020).
  • Mechanism: Glacier thinning reduces driving stress, which slows ice flow; this limits the replenishment of lower glacier sections from higher accumulation zones.
  • Zanskar glaciers are high-altitude, receiving winter snowfall primarily from mid-latitude westerly disturbances.
  • Glacier behavior is influenced by local factors including geometry, debris cover, and terminus conditions.
  • Implications: Long-term glacier water storage is declining, potentially impacting water security, agriculture, and hydropower in the Indus basin.
  • Experts emphasize the need for more ground-based measurements (ice thickness, mass balance, temperature) to validate satellite-derived data.

Questions

  1. Explain the physical mechanism linking glacier thinning to reduced ice flow velocity. How does this phenomenon impact the hydrological security of the Indus basin? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Discuss the significance of Himalayan glaciers as natural indicators of climate change. In light of recent studies on glacier slowdown, evaluate the challenges in monitoring high-altitude cryospheric changes and their long-term socio-economic implications for India. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following best describes the primary mechanism behind the observed slowdown of glaciers in the Zanskar region?

  2. The Zanskar region glaciers primarily receive their winter snowfall from which of the following?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-13/ladakh-glacier-melting-study