Frontal changes in medium-sized glaciers in Sikkim, India during 1988-2018: Insights for glacier-climate synthesis over the Himalaya.

ABSTRACT: The study assesses terminus retreat of medium-sized glaciers (1988-2018) using geospatial dataset and field study in Sikkim which is under the direct influence of the Indian SW monsoon. It also explores the causes of intra-regional and inter-regional diverse patterns of glacier retreat under the purview of topographical and climatic factors to develop a glacier-climate synthesis over the region. Glaciers have retreated in a range from 63.9 to 3.9 m yr^-1 and lost a total area of ∼2.53% (0.08% yr^-1) in the study area. The intra-regional heterogeneity in glaciers retreat seems to be caused by topographical factors in the study area. A comparison of glacier retreats with other parts of the Himalayas reveals a declining gradient from the northwest to the eastern Himalayas,

SUBMITTER: Kumar P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10514448 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature