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> home > programs & activities > APN > 2004 projects > GLOFS INVENTORY OF GLACIERS AND GLACIAL LAKES AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOODS (GLOFs) AFFECTED BY GLOBAL WARMING IN THE MOUNTAINS OF HIMALAYAN REGION Glaciers are nature’s renewable storehouse of fresh water that benefits hundreds of millions of people residing in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region. Unfortunately, the HKH glaciers are retreating with rapid accumulation of water forming lakes. The sudden breaching of unstable dams discharges huge amounts of water and debris from the lake known as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), often with catastrophic effects. An inventory of glaciers and glacial lakes is an important undertaking to acquire accurate information and knowledge of GLOFs. This project seeks to establish an extensive GIS and remote sensing database on glaciers/glacial lakes and of change due to global warming affecting potential GLOFs and other hazards. As the database is established and institutionalized, the capacity of participating organization and agencies to analyze Geographic Information System (GIS) data will increase, and the knowledge base can be used to enhance the ability of policymakers and water resources planners to understand and mitigate GLOF-associated hazards. Activities undertaken in 2004 include: continued on-the-job training of researchers in collaborating institutions and agencies; the development of a digital database on glaciers and glacial lakes of other basins in India, Tibet and Pakistan using GIS and RS technologies; the establishment of analytical protocols and systems to identify "hot spots" (existing and potentially dangerous glacial lake hazards) and regularize GLOF hazard studies; a rapid environmental change assessment studies on GLOF hazard risks and potential impacts; and a comprehensive information dissemination plan to relevant regional and national institutions. For more information, contact: |
