The Cryosphere is the second largest component of the climate system, after the ocean, that stores about 75% of the world’s freshwater. In terms of the ice mass and its heat capacity, therefore, it plays a significant role in the global climate. The Himalaya forms the most important concentration of snow covered region outside the polar region. The Himalayan glaciers are highly sensitive to the on-going warming. The detailed glacier inventory of Indian Himalayas (GSI, SAC) indicates presence of 9579 glaciers in the Himalaya, some of which form the perennial source of major rivers. Changes in glaciers are one of the clearest indicators of alterations in regional climate, since they are governed by changes in accumulation (from snowfall) and ablation (by melting of ice). The difference between accumulation and ablation or the mass balance is crucial to the health of a glacier.
The glaciological studies comprising mass balance, GPR profiles and snow cover assessment, conducted over a sufficient length of time will reflect the health of the glaciers. Glacial melt streams and run off thereof would give important feedback to the hydrological system.
(Rs. In crores)
Name of the Scheme | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Himalayan Cryosphere Studies | 20.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 70.00 |
Last Updated On 04/09/2015 - 10:51 |