Spatiotemporal dynamics of glacial lakes (1990–2018) in the Kashmir Himalayas, India using Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract This study is perhaps the first attempt to use satellite data (1990–2018) analyze spatiotemporal changes in glacial lakes over Kashmir Himalayas supplemented by field studies. Landsat images were used delineate spatial extent of at four-time points, i.e., 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2018. The total count as well their showed a discernible increase. number increased from 253 1990 324 2018, with growth rate 21.4%. area has 18.84 ± 0.1 km 2 22.13 0.12 2018 14.7%. newly formed lakes, including supraglacial greater than that disappeared period. All are situated elevations 2700 m asl 4500 asl. More 78% lake expansion region largely due existing lakes. Through change analysis, our findings reveal certain show rapid needing immediate monitoring observation. analysis meteorological variables reveals minimum maximum temperatures Jhelum basin have shown an increasing trend. T max increase 1.25 °C, whereas min 0.7 °C 1980 2020. On other hand, precipitation decreasing trend, which can be attributed one major causes glacier recession Upper basin. Consequently, this could play significant role devising comprehensive risk assessment plan for potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) developing mechanism continuous management region.