Scientific study of North Sikkim glaciers

GANGTOK, : A multidisciplinary scientific team has successfully concluded an extensive field mission in North Sikkim from August 26 to September 1, focusing on glacial lake assessments and sediment studies following recent flood-related events in the region.

Starting from Muguthang on Day 6 of the mission, the team reached South Lhonak by Day 8, where a ceremonial puja was held at Chimigyader and at the lake itself to invoke blessings for a safe and successful operation, a press release from Science & Technology department informs.

At South Lhonak (17200 ft), the team conducted bathymetric studies, fixed pressure probes and collected post-flood sediment samples critical for ongoing glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risk assessments.

Following the completion of studies at South Lhonak, the scientific personnel from Himachal Pradesh, NIH (National Institute of Hydrology), CWC (Central Water Commission), DGRE (Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment), and GSI (Geological Survey of India) departed after fulfilling their objectives.

The remaining members advanced to Changsang Lake (18100 ft), where they carried out further bathymetric mapping and performed a detailed morphometric analysis of the lake’s terminal moraine — an essential feature in assessing the stability and hazard potential of glacial lakes, the release mentions.

On September 1, the team reached Thangu, where preparations began to study YulehKhangse Lake, located above Lashar Valley, in continuation of the broader glaciological and hydrological research mission.

This expedition forms a vital part of India’s growing efforts to monitor Himalayan glacial systems and enhance early warning mechanisms against GLOFs and other climate-induced hazards in high-altitude regions, said the Science & Technology department.