Daily Current Affairs : 13-January-2024
Rock glaciers, unique landforms composed of rock fragments and ice, are prevalent in mountainous regions with permafrost, rock debris, and ice. These formations emerge as debris accumulates on existing glaciers, transforming into rock glaciers as the glaciers recede or thaw. Common in elevated areas with steep slopes, their identification requires a geomorphological perspective due to their visual similarity to regular ground. These formations are classified as active or relict based on ice presence and movement, with active rock glaciers being dynamic and posing more hazards.
Significance of Rock Glaciers
Rock glaciers serve as crucial indicators of mountain permafrost, storing significant water in frozen cores. This water storage holds potential as a resource in the face of water scarcity and glacial retreat.
Potential Impacts of Active Rock Glaciers on the Region
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
Active rock glaciers near glacial lakes heighten the risk of GLOFs by destabilizing slopes or dams. Notably, Chirsar Lake and Bramsar Lake in the Kashmir Himalayas are facing increased GLOF risk.
Landslides
Active rock glaciers contribute to landslides by weakening slope stability or releasing water. The consequences include threats to settlements and infrastructure, as observed in the Nunavik area in Quebec experiencing increased mudslides due to melting permafrost.
Thermokarst Formation
Active rock glaciers may lead to thermokarst features, altering hydrology, ecology, and the carbon cycle. An illustration is the presence of potential thermokarst lakes near Kulgam town in Jammu and Kashmir. A high-risk example is the Batagaika crater in the Sakha Republic, Russia, resulting from thermokarst collapse.
Jhelum Basin of the Kashmir Himalayas
Source and Course
The upper Jhelum River originates at Vernag, Anantnag, near the base of the Pir Panjal range in the Kashmir Valley. It flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake before entering Pakistan.
Contribution to Indus River
The Jhelum is a crucial tributary of the Indus River, contributing significantly to the broader river system in the Indian subcontinent.
Geographical Coverage
The river traverses through Jammu and Kashmir, eventually entering Pakistan, where it joins the Chenab River, further adding to the Indus River system.
Tributaries
The Kishenganga (Neelum) River serves as a primary tributary, while the Kunhar River, a significant tributary, links Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan through the Kohala Bridge in the Kanghan Valley.
Important Points:
Rock Glaciers: Frozen Features in Mountainous Terrain
- Unique landforms composed of rock fragments and ice
- Prevalent in mountainous regions with permafrost, rock debris, and ice
- Formed when debris accumulates on existing glaciers, transforming into rock glaciers
- Identification requires a geomorphological perspective
- Classified as active or relict based on ice presence and movement
Significance of Rock Glaciers
- Crucial indicators of mountain permafrost
- Store significant water in frozen cores
- Potential resource amid water scarcity and glacial retreat
Potential Impacts of Active Rock Glaciers on the Region Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
- Active rock glaciers near glacial lakes heighten the risk of GLOFs
- Chirsar Lake and Bramsar Lake in the Kashmir Himalayas facing increased GLOF risk
Landslides
- Contribute to landslides by weakening slope stability or releasing water
- Increased mudslides observed in the Nunavik area in Quebec due to melting permafrost
Thermokarst Formation
- May lead to thermokarst features, altering hydrology, ecology, and carbon cycle
- Potential thermokarst lakes near Kulgam town in Jammu and Kashmir
- High-risk example: Batagaika crater in the Sakha Republic, Russia
Jhelum Basin of the Kashmir Himalayas
- Upper Jhelum River originates at Vernag, Anantnag, near the base of the Pir Panjal range
- Flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake before entering Pakistan
- Crucial tributary of the Indus River, contributing significantly to the broader river system
- Geographically traverses through Jammu and Kashmir, eventually joining the Chenab River in Pakistan
- Primary tributary: Kishenganga (Neelum) River
- Significant tributary: Kunhar River, linking Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan through the Kohala Bridge in the Kanghan Valley
Why In News
A comprehensive study unveils the presence of more than 100 active permafrost structures, known as rock glaciers, in the Jhelum basin of the Kashmir Himalayas, shedding light on their vital role in shaping the region’s hydrology and highlighting potential risks exacerbated by the ongoing impacts of climate warming.
MCQs about Rock Glaciers
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What are rock glaciers?
A. Unique landforms composed of rock fragments and ice
B. Underground water reservoirs
C. Artificial structures built on mountains
D. Hot springs in mountainous regions
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How are active and relict rock glaciers classified?
A. Based on their color
B. By the presence of vegetation
C. According to ice presence and movement
D. According to their height
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What is the potential impact of active rock glaciers on glacial lakes?
A. Reduction in lake size
B. Increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
C. Enhancement of aquatic life
D. Formation of new lakes
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Where does the Jhelum River originate, and what is its significance?
A. Originates in the Arabian Sea, significant for fishing
B. Originates in the Kashmir Valley, significant tributary of the Indus River
C. Originates in the Ganges Basin, significant for agriculture
D. Originates in the Tibetan Plateau, significant for cultural heritage
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