International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program and various other organizations, is studying the impact of climate change on glaciers and glacial lakes in the Hindukush-Himalayan region.
According to ICIMOD, a Kathmandu-based organization, the levels of 20 glacial lakes in Nepali side have risen to a risky level, reported a leading website, eKantipur.com on Friday.
Studies show that most valley glaciers are retreating. Vertical shifts of up to 100 meters have been recorded during the last 50 years with retreat rates of 50 meters per year.
There is evidence that glaciers have been melting faster in recent decades. "If the present trend continues, it is estimated that most valley glacier trunks and smaller glaciers will disappear by 2050", said Samjwal Ratna Bajracharya, geomorphologist from ICIMOD.
Samjwal said, "Dig Tsho Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in the Everest (Qomolanagma) region in 1985 swept 30 houses, many domestic animals, suspension bridges and the entire Thame Hydropower Station away in 6 hours. The region still recalls its impact."
Lake Imja Tsho -- at 5010 meters -- in the south of Qomolangma is one extreme example of a fast growing potentially dangerous lake.
According to Samjwal, the Imja glacier is retreating at a rate as high as 74 meters per year. Before 2000, it was retreating at 41 meters per year. "In the worst-case Imja's GLOF scenario, it could cascade with catastrophic consequences on the lives and properties of the mountain people living on the Everest trekking route downstream Lukla," said Samjwal.
Source: Xinhua
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