30th September 2024 (11 Topics)
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Permafrost Collapse in the Himalayas
Context
Possible collapse of permafrost, which are permanently frozen rock or soil formations, is an emerging climate-change induced issue in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. As Earth's climate warms, the permafrost is thawing. That means the ice inside the permafrost melts, leaving behind water and soil.
What is Permafrost?
- Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer on or under Earth's surface.
- It consists of soil, gravel, and sand, usually bound together by ice. Permafrost usually remains at or below 0°C (32ºF) for at least two years.
- It can be found on land and below the ocean floor. It is found in areas where temperatures rarely rise above freezing.
- Types: A typical classification recognizes:
- Continuous permafrost (underlying 90-100% of the landscape)
- Discontinuous permafrost (50-90%)
- Sporadic permafrost (0-50%)
- Challenges: There is limited understanding of permafrost dynamics in the Indian Himalayas. Recent disasters, such as the South Lhonak glacial lake bursting, may be linked to permafrost issues, highlighting the need for more research.
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