Snowlines Up By 300+ Meters On Some Himalayan Peaks Since 1980s - Key Factor In Glacial Balance

[hatrack]

In the 1980s, the snow line was visible at 4,900 mt at the end of summer. It has now moved up to 5,200 mt in 2006 marking loss of ice accumulation in the lower heights. “Himalayan glaciers are not in good health,” Anil Kulkarni who studies glaciers at the Space Department’s Satellite Application Centre in Ahmedabad told Deccan Herald.
Many glaciers were without accumulation area and might experience terminal retreat due to lack of new ice formation, he said.

There are no systemic studies on the snowline shift in the Himalayas. Kulkarni’s research shows that in Baspa glacier, snow line was visible at 4,900 mt in 1976. It went up to 5,200 mt in 2006.

Snow line was visible at about 5,000 mt in another Himalayan glacier Chhota Sigri around 1978-79. In 2005, it has gone up to 5,350 mt though computer models say that the situation may improve a little bit in the next two years. Snowline determines how much of snow will be converted into ice to maintain a positive mass balance for the glaciers. Positive mass balance indicates the glacier’s advancement while negative means retreat.

Retreat has been reported in 1,317 Himalayan glaciers spanning across 11 basins suggest 16 per cent loss in area from 1962. Fragmentation has come out as a major problem. The number of glaciers increased due to fragmentation but the total area covered by glacier ice is reduced.

EDIT

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/23732/snowline-recedes-himalayas-400-mts.html

[GliderGuider]

1. Given the standard environmental lapse rate of 6.5 degrees C per 1000 meters

This implies that the average air temperature in the region has increased by 2 degrees Celsius in the last 30 years.

Ouch.

[joshcryer]

2. Yeah, seems colder areas heat faster than warmer areas. Whole thermodynamics thing.

Not sure if your numbers are correct (I think they probably are), but it's scary to say the least.