Himalayan glaciers are retreating
Context
Studies show Himalayan glaciers are retreating but not at rapid pace: Govt
More about news:
- The studies showed that glaciers with an area of more than 10 square km are unlikely to get affected appreciably in the coming years. However, smaller glaciers of less than 2 square km area are likely to show rapid changes
Why glaciers matters?
- Snow and glaciers are perennial sources of water for rivers originating from the Himalayas.
- Glaciers receive and accumulate snow in winter and release melt water in summer through surface flow, groundwater seepage.
- The rate of melting/recession varies from glaciers to glaciers depending on its topography and climatic variability of the region.
- Glaciers are also early indicators of climate changes that will have a somewhat more delayed impact on other parts of the Earth system.
- Glaciers are sentinels of climate change.
- They are the most visible evidence of global warming
- Glaciers’ white surfaces reflect the sun’s rays, helping to keep our current climate mild. When glaciers melt, darker exposed surfaces absorb and release heat, raising temperatures.
- A retreating glacier loses more water than it gains and so causes sea level to rise.
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