Parkachik Glacier

Why in news?

• A study by scientists of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has found that three glacial lakes are likely to form around Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh due to rapid ice melt. 

About Parkachik Glacier:

• Parachik Glacier is a mountain glacier located in Ladakh.
• It is one of the largest glaciers in the Suru River valley, covering an area of 53 square km and is 14 km long. 
  • The Suru River valley is a part of the southern Zanskar Ranges in the western Himalayas.

Rapid melting of Parkachik Glacier:

• There are two main reasons for the rapid melting of the Parkachik glacier:
  • Global warming and increasing temperatures in the region
  • It is at a lower altitude than other glaciers in the Zanskar region.
• Impact: 
  • The glacial melt is worrying as it not only increases chances of Glacial Lake Outbursts but can also lead to paucity of water, glaciers being the region’s primary source of water.
• The most catastrophic glacial lake outburst that India has faced in recent years resulted in the 2013 Kedarnath flash floods.

PRACTICE QUESTION

With references to India, ‘Parkachik’, ‘Machoi’ and ‘Shafat’ are the names of: 

(a) Glaciers

(b) Peaks

(c) Mangrove areas

(d) Wetlands

Answer