By K.S. Jayaraman
Analysis
of satellite data has revealed that the lake has formed at the snout of South Lhonak glacier that is about 7,000 meters high on
the mountain in the northeastern state. The lake, bounded only by loose soil
and debris, could cause havoc downstream if it ruptures, according to
scientists at the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) in Hyderabad
In a report published in the latest issue of the journal Current Science, NRSC researchers Babu Govindha Raj and co-workers say the glacial lake is about 630 meters wide and 20 meters deep.
In a report published in the latest issue of the journal Current Science, NRSC researchers Babu Govindha Raj and co-workers say the glacial lake is about 630 meters wide and 20 meters deep.
It
covers an area of 98.7 hectares and contains 19.7 billion liters of water. A
sudden outburst "can create devastating floods downstream," they
warn, adding that the probability of this happening "is very high".
They
however note this is only their preliminary assessment and more field studies
are required to confirm the hazardous potential of this high altitude lake.
Data
from the American Landsat, CORONA and Terra
satellites besides imageries from India
Based on this study the scientists estimate that the Lhonak glacier had receded 1.9 km between 1962 and 2008.
Based on this study the scientists estimate that the Lhonak glacier had receded 1.9 km between 1962 and 2008.
The
glacial lake that was initially a small body of water in 1962 grew in size with
accumulation of melt water. The NRSC scientists say that the lake is still
attached to the snout of the glacier but is expanding in area due to the
glacier retreat.
"The
rate of growth of the lake indicates possible developments of the hazard
situation," the report says.
As
Himalayan glaciers are retreating fast, it is necessary to make an inventory of
glacial lakes and set up an early warning system for Lake Outburst
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