Glacial lake outburst flood risk assessment using combined approaches of remote sensing, GIS and dam break modelling

Abstract This article attempts to reconstruct the causes and consequences of the 2014 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) event in Gya, Ladakh. We analyse the evolution of the Gya glacial lake using a high temporal and high spatial resolution remote sensing approach. In order to frame the case study in a larger picture, we produce a comprehensive inventory of glacial lakes for the entire Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh. Changes in the extent and number of glacial lakes have been detected for the years 1969, 1993, 2000/02 and 2018 in order to assess the potential risk of future GLOFs in the region. The remote sensing approach was supported by field surveys between 2014 and 2019. The case study of the Gya GLOF illustrates the problem of potentially hazardous lakes being overlooked in inventories. The broader analysis of the Ladakh region and in-depth analysis of one GLOF lead us to propose an integrated approach for detecting undocumented GLOFs. This article demonstrates the necessity for using multiple methods to ensure robustness of risk assessment. The improved understanding can lead to a more accurate evaluation of exposure to cryosphere hazards and identification of alternative mechanisms and spatial patterns of GLOFs in the Himalaya.

Download Full-text

Applying Remote Sensing to Support Flood Risk Assessment and Relief Agencies: A Global to Local Approach

IGARSS 2020 - 2020 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium ◽

10.1109/igarss39084.2020.9323351 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

A.J. Kettner ◽

G. J.-P. Schumann ◽

G.R. Brakenridge

Keyword(s):

Remote Sensing ◽

Risk Assessment ◽

Flood Risk ◽

Flood Risk Assessment ◽

Local Approach

Download Full-text

Identification of Locations for Potential Glacial Lakes Formation using Remote Sensing Technology

Journal on Geoinformatics, Nepal ◽

10.3126/njg.v12i0.9068 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 10-16

Author(s):

P Yagol ◽

A Manandhar ◽

P Ghimire ◽

RB Kayastha ◽

JR Joshi

Keyword(s):

Remote Sensing ◽

Glacial Lake ◽

Glacial Lakes ◽

Outburst Flood ◽

Remote Sensing Technology ◽

Sensing Technology ◽

Lake Formation ◽

Significant Area ◽

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

In past Nepal has encountered a number of glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) events causing loss of billions of rupees. Still there are a number of glacial lakes forming and there are chances of new glacial lake formation. Hence there is intense need to monitor glaciers and glacial lakes. The development on remote sensing technology has eased the researches on glacier and glacial lakes. Identification of locations of potential glacial lakes through the use of remote sensing technology has been proven and hence is opted for identification of locations of potential glacial lake in Khumbu Valley of Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal. The probable sites for glacial lake formation are at Ngojumpa, Lobuche, Khumbu, Bhotekoshi, Inkhu, Kyasar, Lumsumna, etc. As per study, the biggest glacial lake could form at Ngozumpa glacier. Even in other glaciers potential supra-glacial lakes could merge together to form lakes that occupy significant area. Nepalese Journal on Geoinformatics -12, 2070 (2013AD): 10-16

Download Full-text