Glacial avalanche hazard's comparative geospatial analysis in Shigar and Shyok basins

Abstract

Glaciers of mid latitude region are retreating because of global warming acceleration. The Glacial avalanche hazards cause catastrophe in Shigar and Shyok basins. Using Satellite and Topographic data, assessment of glacial avalanche hazards is conducted in this research. The study presents the glacial avalanche hazard assessment in visible and thermal bands based on various methods of image classification. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is incorporated to gauge the indicators of glacial avalanche hazard as orientation, slope and elevation of the glaciers in the study area. The location of a site vis-à-vis a glacier, melting behavior of the glaciers and geo-morphology of the parent surface are taken as indicators of glacial avalanche hazard. The results of the study show that settlements in Shyok basin are found more prone to glacial avalanche hazard in comparison with Shigar basin which has resulted in destruction of infrastructure and heavy loss of human lives.