Assessment of Runoff Components of River Flow in the Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan, during 1995–2010

Glaciers are generally believed to be subjugating by global warming but the Karakoram glaciers reportedly maintaining their balance. Earlier studies in and its sub-basins have mostly addressed a short span of time used complex models understand phenomenon. Thus, this study is based on long-term trend analysis computed runoff components using satellite data with continuous spatial temporal coverage incorporated into simple degree day Snowmelt Runoff Model (SRM). The trends melt can help us understanding future scenarios area. SRM was calibrated against recorded river flows Hunza River Basin (HRB). Our simulations showed that contribution from rain, snow, 14.4%, 34.2%, 51.4%, respectively during 1995–2010. melting summer has slightly increased, suggesting overall modest glacier mass loss which consistent few recent studies. annual stream rising 1995–2010 period, while, rainfall temperatures contrasting increasing/decreasing behavior July, August, September months same period. average decreasing (0.08 °C per annum) makes it challenging unclear explain reason for rise precipitation affirms basin flows. At times, warmer rainwater over snow surfaces also contributed excessive melting. Moreover, uncertainties hydrological, meteorological, remote sensing due low resolution portrayed results. Gradual climate change HRB affect near future, requiring effective water resource management mitigate any adverse impacts. This shows assessment good alternative detect changes minimal field observations.