Gangotri Glacier System (GGS)

Why in News?

A recent study by IIT Indore, ICIMOD, and US universities revealed that the Gangotri Glacier has lost 10% of its snowmelt flow since 1980 due to climate change.

Key Highlights

Gangotri Glacier System (GGS)

• Source of the upper Ganga basin, feeding the Bhagirathi river in central Himalayas.
• Covers 549 sq km area, elevation range: 3,767–7,072 metres.
• About 48% glacierised.
• Comprises four major glaciers:
  • Gangotri – 140 sq km (largest)
  • Chaturangi – 75 sq km
  • Raktavaran – 30 sq km
  • Meru – 7 sq km

Findings of the Study

• Since 1980, snowmelt contribution to the Ganga has declined by 10%.
• Indicates severe impact of climate change on Himalayan hydrology.

Cloudburst Definition

• Intense rainfall event: >10 cm of rainfall in 1 hour over an area <30 sq km.
• States often mislabel floods/landslides as cloudbursts without scientific data or instruments.

(Source: TH)