Itanagar: The fourth Khangri Glacier Expedition, a major scientific mission aimed at studying how Himalayan glaciers are responding to climate change, began on Saturday in the Mago Chu basin under the towering Gorichen Mountain in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district, officials said.
The week-long expedition, scheduled to continue till November 15, is being jointly organised by the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CESHS) and the National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research (NCPOR).
Led by Dr. Parmanand Sharma, one of India’s leading glaciologists, the team comprises scientists and engineers from CESHS, NCPOR, Nagaland University, and the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), said CESHS Director Tana Tage.
Focus on Climate Impact and Glacial Risks
Despite the vast glaciated terrain of the Arunachal Himalayas, scientists note that the region remains one of the least studied areas of the Indian cryosphere. Arunachal Pradesh is home to 161 glaciers spread over nearly 223 square kilometres across four major river basins — Manas, Subansiri, Kameng, and Dibang — yet none have undergone long-term field-based monitoring to assess mass balance or glacial dynamics, officials said.
The primary goal of the expedition is to conduct systematic studies on glacier mass balance and movement, to understand how these glaciers are responding differently to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
Researchers will also focus on the formation and evolution of glacial lakes and assess the potential threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can cause devastating impacts on downstream communities and infrastructure.
Key to Brahmaputra Basin and Regional Water Security
The glaciated basins under study are of critical hydrological importance, as they form the headwaters of the Brahmaputra River system — a vital water source for millions across northeastern India.
According to scientists, the data collected from this mission will enhance understanding of the linkages between climate, cryosphere, and hydrology in the Eastern Himalayas, a region highly sensitive to global warming.
“By shedding light on one of the least understood glacial systems in the Indian Himalayas, the expedition will significantly contribute to our understanding of climate change impacts and help ensure the long-term water security of the region,” said Tana Tage.