A Response of Snow Cover to the Climate in the Northwest Himalaya (NWH) Using Satellite Products

The Himalayan region is one of the most crucial mountain systems across globe, which has significant importance in terms largest depository snow and glaciers for fresh water supply, river runoff, hydropower, rich biodiversity, climate, many more socioeconomic developments. This directly or indirectly affects millions lives their livelihoods but been considered climatically sensitive parts world. study investigates spatiotemporal variation maximum extent cover area (SCA) its response to temperature, precipitation, elevation over northwest Himalaya (NWH) during 2000–2019. analysis uses Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Terra 8-day composite Cover product (MOD10A2), MODIS/Terra/V6 daily land surface temperature (MOD11A1), Climate Hazards Infrared Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) precipitation product, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM investigation. Modified Mann-Kendall (mMK) test Spearman’s correlation methods were employed examine trends interrelationships between SCA climatic parameters. Results indicate a increasing trend annual mean (663.88 km2/year) 2000 2019. seasonal monthly analyses also carried out region. Zone-wise showed that lower (184.5 middle (232.1 revealed trends. In contrast, upper no period NWH Statistically negative (−0.81) was observed whereas nonsignificant positive (0.47) existed past 20 years. It noticed variability years mainly driven by influence limited. A decline average (−0.039 °C/year) rise (24.56 mm/year) detected results climate plays vital role controlling minimum frequency (SCF) winter (74.42%) monsoon (46.01%) season, respectively, while SCF recorded be 59.11% period. Of SCA, 54.81% had above 60% could as perennial snow. elevation-based 84% (UH) experienced snow, mostly dominated (LH) (MH).