Scientific expedition to East Rathong Glacier completed

GANGTOK,: The State Science & Technology department has completed a two-week scientific expedition to East Rathong Glacier. The expedition, which ran from June 22 to July 4, is part of the department’s ongoing study on glacier dynamics and the assessment of potential glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks.

The expedition team, comprised of scientists and researchers, was split into two groups at Dzongri. The first team, led by scientific officer Dr. Narpati Sharma, conducted a bathymetric study at Tikip La, Bhaley Pokhari and Rathong Lake using an unmanned survey vehicle (USV). The second team, led by assistant scientific officer Dr. R.K. Sharma, studied the dynamics of the East Rathong Glacier which included installing stakes to monitor glacier velocity and vertical retreat, studying the glacio-hydrology of glacier meltwater streams and conducting a DGPS survey. The expedition team also maintained and upgraded an automatic weather station at Rathong Glacier, informs a press release.

The department announced significant findings from the glacial lake surveys. “Tikip La was found to have a maximum depth of 55 meters and lacks a defined open outlet, although its water appears downstream in the valley. Bhaley Pokhari and Rathong Lake were found to have maximum depths of 42 meters and 25.4 meters, respectively, with both lakes having clear-cut outlets. Volume assessment of these lakes is presently being carried out,” the release states. 

The collected data will play a crucial role in shaping strategies to mitigate potential GLOF risks and in leveraging science and technology for the sustainable development of the State, the release adds.