Glaciation and Snow-Line | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Glaciation
 
and
 
Snow-Line
Flownin ice-sheets are called Glaciers. In Uttarakhand, glaciers are also
called ‘Himnads’, ‘Himadri’ ‘Bamak’ or ‘Bank’. They provide accessible
routes to higher reaches for mountaineers The snow-line or the lowest limit
of perpetual snow is found at 5200m in Uttarakhand Himalaya. Glaciers are
found above that line. The majority of glaciers are from 3 to 5km in length
but there are some giant glaciers too. The majority of glaciers are valley type.
The diurnal rate of movement is between 8cm and 13cm at sides and 20cm to
30cm in the middle. The hanging and transverse glaciers have a more rapid
movement than the longitudinal valley glaciers. The lowest limit of descent
of these glaciers is 3660m in Uttarakhand. One main peculiarity of glaciers in
Uttarakhand is the presence of extensive superficial moraine matter and rock
waste which completely cover the upper surface of the glacier.
The present landforms in the Uttarakhand show evidences of ice-sculpture
resulting from the past gigantic glaciers. The present glaciation is but a
shadow of what it was during ice ages. The glaciers in the larger valleys, such
as the Milam, the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi which are overlain with
detritus for several kilometers, float, so to speak, on their morains, which
they are no longer capable of sweeping away. Generally all the Himalayan
valleys between 2000 and 3000m depict glacial features wherever they have
not been completely obliterated by fluvial action.
Glacial topography is well preserved above an elevation of 3000m in
general. Near the snouts of these glaciers and a few kilometers downstreams,
huge U-shaped valleys are found. Horned peaks are formed by excessive
frost shattering. The Shivling and the Neelkanth peaks are very impressive.
Glacial lakes are formed by plugging of valleys of moraines deposited by
ancient giant glaciers. The Hemkund in the Bhyundhar valley, the Rupkund
on the outer slopes of Nanda Ghunti, the Vasuki Tal and the Chorabari Lake
above Kedarnath, the Satopanth Tal below Chaukhamba are some of the
important examples.
The Gangotri glacier starts from the western slopes of the Chaukhamba
peaks. It is 30km long and 2 km wide. The glacier is fed by a system of
tributary glaciers known as Rakta Varna, Swet Varna, Nilambar, Pilapani and
Page 2


Glaciation
 
and
 
Snow-Line
Flownin ice-sheets are called Glaciers. In Uttarakhand, glaciers are also
called ‘Himnads’, ‘Himadri’ ‘Bamak’ or ‘Bank’. They provide accessible
routes to higher reaches for mountaineers The snow-line or the lowest limit
of perpetual snow is found at 5200m in Uttarakhand Himalaya. Glaciers are
found above that line. The majority of glaciers are from 3 to 5km in length
but there are some giant glaciers too. The majority of glaciers are valley type.
The diurnal rate of movement is between 8cm and 13cm at sides and 20cm to
30cm in the middle. The hanging and transverse glaciers have a more rapid
movement than the longitudinal valley glaciers. The lowest limit of descent
of these glaciers is 3660m in Uttarakhand. One main peculiarity of glaciers in
Uttarakhand is the presence of extensive superficial moraine matter and rock
waste which completely cover the upper surface of the glacier.
The present landforms in the Uttarakhand show evidences of ice-sculpture
resulting from the past gigantic glaciers. The present glaciation is but a
shadow of what it was during ice ages. The glaciers in the larger valleys, such
as the Milam, the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi which are overlain with
detritus for several kilometers, float, so to speak, on their morains, which
they are no longer capable of sweeping away. Generally all the Himalayan
valleys between 2000 and 3000m depict glacial features wherever they have
not been completely obliterated by fluvial action.
Glacial topography is well preserved above an elevation of 3000m in
general. Near the snouts of these glaciers and a few kilometers downstreams,
huge U-shaped valleys are found. Horned peaks are formed by excessive
frost shattering. The Shivling and the Neelkanth peaks are very impressive.
Glacial lakes are formed by plugging of valleys of moraines deposited by
ancient giant glaciers. The Hemkund in the Bhyundhar valley, the Rupkund
on the outer slopes of Nanda Ghunti, the Vasuki Tal and the Chorabari Lake
above Kedarnath, the Satopanth Tal below Chaukhamba are some of the
important examples.
The Gangotri glacier starts from the western slopes of the Chaukhamba
peaks. It is 30km long and 2 km wide. The glacier is fed by a system of
tributary glaciers known as Rakta Varna, Swet Varna, Nilambar, Pilapani and
Chaturangi, depending upon the colour of the surrounding rocks. Broad
glacial terraces are found at Tapovan and Nandanvan, 5 and 7km upstreams
from Gomukh. Old lateral moraines are found above the glaciers at height of
about 200m from which huge boulders and pebbles roll down casually. The
Gaumukh, the snout, is a greay blue wall, more than 100m high. The ice cave
through which the waters of Bhagirathi pour out, has been changing positions
frequently. Melted water percolates through the crevasses and forms an
undercurrent below the glacier, flowing through an ice tunnel. Below the
snout, upto a kilometer, there are a series of recessional morrains. Between
the Gangotri and the Bhojawara, the last remains of boulder clay stand in the
form of pillars topped by huge boulders. They are about 50m tall. From
Gomukh to the Gangotri temple, the valley of the Bhagirathi is wide and U-
shaped.
Othe important glaciers of the region are Milam, Pindari, Poting,
Shankalpa, Sona, Raulphee, Gunna, Baling etc.
Name Of The Glacier District Name District
Milam Pithoragarh Khatling Tehri Garhwal
Namik Pithoragarh Chorabari Rudraprayag
Ralam Pithoragarh Bhagirath Kharak Chamoli
Sunderdhunga Bageshwar Satopanth Chamoli
Pindari Bageshwar Bandarpunchh Uttarkashi
Kafni Bageshwar Meru Uttarkahi
Maykotali Bageshwar Ponting Pithoragarh
Dunagiri Chamoli Shunkalpa Pithoragarh
Tipara Bamak Chamoli Kaliganga Pithoragarh
Gomukh Uttarkashi Hipra Bamak Garhwal
Dokriani Uttarkashi Gangotri Uttarkashi
Some of the important glaciers have been discussed below:
Gangotri – It is a group of 27 tributary glaciers starting from north western
slopes of Chaukhamba peak. It is the largest glacier of the State. Kedarnath,
the Sumeru Parvat and the Bharatekhunta make its southern limit and mark
Page 3


Glaciation
 
and
 
Snow-Line
Flownin ice-sheets are called Glaciers. In Uttarakhand, glaciers are also
called ‘Himnads’, ‘Himadri’ ‘Bamak’ or ‘Bank’. They provide accessible
routes to higher reaches for mountaineers The snow-line or the lowest limit
of perpetual snow is found at 5200m in Uttarakhand Himalaya. Glaciers are
found above that line. The majority of glaciers are from 3 to 5km in length
but there are some giant glaciers too. The majority of glaciers are valley type.
The diurnal rate of movement is between 8cm and 13cm at sides and 20cm to
30cm in the middle. The hanging and transverse glaciers have a more rapid
movement than the longitudinal valley glaciers. The lowest limit of descent
of these glaciers is 3660m in Uttarakhand. One main peculiarity of glaciers in
Uttarakhand is the presence of extensive superficial moraine matter and rock
waste which completely cover the upper surface of the glacier.
The present landforms in the Uttarakhand show evidences of ice-sculpture
resulting from the past gigantic glaciers. The present glaciation is but a
shadow of what it was during ice ages. The glaciers in the larger valleys, such
as the Milam, the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi which are overlain with
detritus for several kilometers, float, so to speak, on their morains, which
they are no longer capable of sweeping away. Generally all the Himalayan
valleys between 2000 and 3000m depict glacial features wherever they have
not been completely obliterated by fluvial action.
Glacial topography is well preserved above an elevation of 3000m in
general. Near the snouts of these glaciers and a few kilometers downstreams,
huge U-shaped valleys are found. Horned peaks are formed by excessive
frost shattering. The Shivling and the Neelkanth peaks are very impressive.
Glacial lakes are formed by plugging of valleys of moraines deposited by
ancient giant glaciers. The Hemkund in the Bhyundhar valley, the Rupkund
on the outer slopes of Nanda Ghunti, the Vasuki Tal and the Chorabari Lake
above Kedarnath, the Satopanth Tal below Chaukhamba are some of the
important examples.
The Gangotri glacier starts from the western slopes of the Chaukhamba
peaks. It is 30km long and 2 km wide. The glacier is fed by a system of
tributary glaciers known as Rakta Varna, Swet Varna, Nilambar, Pilapani and
Chaturangi, depending upon the colour of the surrounding rocks. Broad
glacial terraces are found at Tapovan and Nandanvan, 5 and 7km upstreams
from Gomukh. Old lateral moraines are found above the glaciers at height of
about 200m from which huge boulders and pebbles roll down casually. The
Gaumukh, the snout, is a greay blue wall, more than 100m high. The ice cave
through which the waters of Bhagirathi pour out, has been changing positions
frequently. Melted water percolates through the crevasses and forms an
undercurrent below the glacier, flowing through an ice tunnel. Below the
snout, upto a kilometer, there are a series of recessional morrains. Between
the Gangotri and the Bhojawara, the last remains of boulder clay stand in the
form of pillars topped by huge boulders. They are about 50m tall. From
Gomukh to the Gangotri temple, the valley of the Bhagirathi is wide and U-
shaped.
Othe important glaciers of the region are Milam, Pindari, Poting,
Shankalpa, Sona, Raulphee, Gunna, Baling etc.
Name Of The Glacier District Name District
Milam Pithoragarh Khatling Tehri Garhwal
Namik Pithoragarh Chorabari Rudraprayag
Ralam Pithoragarh Bhagirath Kharak Chamoli
Sunderdhunga Bageshwar Satopanth Chamoli
Pindari Bageshwar Bandarpunchh Uttarkashi
Kafni Bageshwar Meru Uttarkahi
Maykotali Bageshwar Ponting Pithoragarh
Dunagiri Chamoli Shunkalpa Pithoragarh
Tipara Bamak Chamoli Kaliganga Pithoragarh
Gomukh Uttarkashi Hipra Bamak Garhwal
Dokriani Uttarkashi Gangotri Uttarkashi
Some of the important glaciers have been discussed below:
Gangotri – It is a group of 27 tributary glaciers starting from north western
slopes of Chaukhamba peak. It is the largest glacier of the State. Kedarnath,
the Sumeru Parvat and the Bharatekhunta make its southern limit and mark
water divide between Bhagirathi and Mandakini rivers. Its northern limit is
formed by Mana and Kalindanikhal peaks constituting water divide between
Bhagirathi and Alaknanda river systems. It is about 30km long and 2 to 4 km
wide glacier. The glacier terminates at Gaumukh from where river Bhagirathi
originates.
Khatling- located at a height of 4800m this glacier in Ghansali tehsil of
Tehri Garhwal district, forms source of Bhilangana river. It has been
described as Sphatik linga in Kedarkhanda. Several small size glaciers like
Kantha, Satlnig, and Doodh doda merge into it.
Chaurabari- located north of Kedarnath temple in Rudraprayag district,
Chaurabari a 14km long glacier is fed by several smaller glaciers. River
Mandakini originates here. The melt water of glacier forms a lake called
Gandhi sarovar or Chorabari lake, the place where ashes of Mahatma Gandhi
were immersed. It is surrounded by a number of lakes which increased from
3 in 2003 to 16 in 2013 and became the cause behind 2013 disaster.
Satopanth and Bhagirathi Kharak- located in Alaknanda valley in
Chamoli district, the glaciers extend over 13 to 18.5 km in length and 750-
800m wide. The eastern slope of Chaukhamba peak feed these glaciers. River
Alaknanda originates from Satopanth and at Mana meets river Saraswati.
Bandarpunchh- located in Yamuna valley it is 12km long glacier, along
northern slope of Bandarpunch peak. River Yamuna originates from its snout.
It has huge moraine deposits as its slopes are very gentle.
Pindari- located along Nandadevi and Nandakot peaks of Bageshwar
district this glacier is 30km long and 300-400m wide. River Pindar orginates
here and due to its accessibility this glacier is a favourite destination of
trekkers.only through Pindari glacier. It is known for trekking route through
Byali Udyar with Buransh trees along its valley.
Milam- 16km long glacier, along southern slopes of Trishul Parvat in
Pithoragarh district, this is the place from where river Gori Ganga originates.
Milam a tributary of river Pindar also originates here. It can be accessed
through Munsyari.
Namik- located in Pithoragarh district, it is the place from where river
Ramganga (east) originates. It is one of the most difficult trekking routes.
Sundardhunga- located west of Pindar valley in bageshwar district, it is
formed by Mayakotli and Sukhram glaciers.
Himalayan glaciers are gradually receding. In many of them large amounts
Page 4


Glaciation
 
and
 
Snow-Line
Flownin ice-sheets are called Glaciers. In Uttarakhand, glaciers are also
called ‘Himnads’, ‘Himadri’ ‘Bamak’ or ‘Bank’. They provide accessible
routes to higher reaches for mountaineers The snow-line or the lowest limit
of perpetual snow is found at 5200m in Uttarakhand Himalaya. Glaciers are
found above that line. The majority of glaciers are from 3 to 5km in length
but there are some giant glaciers too. The majority of glaciers are valley type.
The diurnal rate of movement is between 8cm and 13cm at sides and 20cm to
30cm in the middle. The hanging and transverse glaciers have a more rapid
movement than the longitudinal valley glaciers. The lowest limit of descent
of these glaciers is 3660m in Uttarakhand. One main peculiarity of glaciers in
Uttarakhand is the presence of extensive superficial moraine matter and rock
waste which completely cover the upper surface of the glacier.
The present landforms in the Uttarakhand show evidences of ice-sculpture
resulting from the past gigantic glaciers. The present glaciation is but a
shadow of what it was during ice ages. The glaciers in the larger valleys, such
as the Milam, the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi which are overlain with
detritus for several kilometers, float, so to speak, on their morains, which
they are no longer capable of sweeping away. Generally all the Himalayan
valleys between 2000 and 3000m depict glacial features wherever they have
not been completely obliterated by fluvial action.
Glacial topography is well preserved above an elevation of 3000m in
general. Near the snouts of these glaciers and a few kilometers downstreams,
huge U-shaped valleys are found. Horned peaks are formed by excessive
frost shattering. The Shivling and the Neelkanth peaks are very impressive.
Glacial lakes are formed by plugging of valleys of moraines deposited by
ancient giant glaciers. The Hemkund in the Bhyundhar valley, the Rupkund
on the outer slopes of Nanda Ghunti, the Vasuki Tal and the Chorabari Lake
above Kedarnath, the Satopanth Tal below Chaukhamba are some of the
important examples.
The Gangotri glacier starts from the western slopes of the Chaukhamba
peaks. It is 30km long and 2 km wide. The glacier is fed by a system of
tributary glaciers known as Rakta Varna, Swet Varna, Nilambar, Pilapani and
Chaturangi, depending upon the colour of the surrounding rocks. Broad
glacial terraces are found at Tapovan and Nandanvan, 5 and 7km upstreams
from Gomukh. Old lateral moraines are found above the glaciers at height of
about 200m from which huge boulders and pebbles roll down casually. The
Gaumukh, the snout, is a greay blue wall, more than 100m high. The ice cave
through which the waters of Bhagirathi pour out, has been changing positions
frequently. Melted water percolates through the crevasses and forms an
undercurrent below the glacier, flowing through an ice tunnel. Below the
snout, upto a kilometer, there are a series of recessional morrains. Between
the Gangotri and the Bhojawara, the last remains of boulder clay stand in the
form of pillars topped by huge boulders. They are about 50m tall. From
Gomukh to the Gangotri temple, the valley of the Bhagirathi is wide and U-
shaped.
Othe important glaciers of the region are Milam, Pindari, Poting,
Shankalpa, Sona, Raulphee, Gunna, Baling etc.
Name Of The Glacier District Name District
Milam Pithoragarh Khatling Tehri Garhwal
Namik Pithoragarh Chorabari Rudraprayag
Ralam Pithoragarh Bhagirath Kharak Chamoli
Sunderdhunga Bageshwar Satopanth Chamoli
Pindari Bageshwar Bandarpunchh Uttarkashi
Kafni Bageshwar Meru Uttarkahi
Maykotali Bageshwar Ponting Pithoragarh
Dunagiri Chamoli Shunkalpa Pithoragarh
Tipara Bamak Chamoli Kaliganga Pithoragarh
Gomukh Uttarkashi Hipra Bamak Garhwal
Dokriani Uttarkashi Gangotri Uttarkashi
Some of the important glaciers have been discussed below:
Gangotri – It is a group of 27 tributary glaciers starting from north western
slopes of Chaukhamba peak. It is the largest glacier of the State. Kedarnath,
the Sumeru Parvat and the Bharatekhunta make its southern limit and mark
water divide between Bhagirathi and Mandakini rivers. Its northern limit is
formed by Mana and Kalindanikhal peaks constituting water divide between
Bhagirathi and Alaknanda river systems. It is about 30km long and 2 to 4 km
wide glacier. The glacier terminates at Gaumukh from where river Bhagirathi
originates.
Khatling- located at a height of 4800m this glacier in Ghansali tehsil of
Tehri Garhwal district, forms source of Bhilangana river. It has been
described as Sphatik linga in Kedarkhanda. Several small size glaciers like
Kantha, Satlnig, and Doodh doda merge into it.
Chaurabari- located north of Kedarnath temple in Rudraprayag district,
Chaurabari a 14km long glacier is fed by several smaller glaciers. River
Mandakini originates here. The melt water of glacier forms a lake called
Gandhi sarovar or Chorabari lake, the place where ashes of Mahatma Gandhi
were immersed. It is surrounded by a number of lakes which increased from
3 in 2003 to 16 in 2013 and became the cause behind 2013 disaster.
Satopanth and Bhagirathi Kharak- located in Alaknanda valley in
Chamoli district, the glaciers extend over 13 to 18.5 km in length and 750-
800m wide. The eastern slope of Chaukhamba peak feed these glaciers. River
Alaknanda originates from Satopanth and at Mana meets river Saraswati.
Bandarpunchh- located in Yamuna valley it is 12km long glacier, along
northern slope of Bandarpunch peak. River Yamuna originates from its snout.
It has huge moraine deposits as its slopes are very gentle.
Pindari- located along Nandadevi and Nandakot peaks of Bageshwar
district this glacier is 30km long and 300-400m wide. River Pindar orginates
here and due to its accessibility this glacier is a favourite destination of
trekkers.only through Pindari glacier. It is known for trekking route through
Byali Udyar with Buransh trees along its valley.
Milam- 16km long glacier, along southern slopes of Trishul Parvat in
Pithoragarh district, this is the place from where river Gori Ganga originates.
Milam a tributary of river Pindar also originates here. It can be accessed
through Munsyari.
Namik- located in Pithoragarh district, it is the place from where river
Ramganga (east) originates. It is one of the most difficult trekking routes.
Sundardhunga- located west of Pindar valley in bageshwar district, it is
formed by Mayakotli and Sukhram glaciers.
Himalayan glaciers are gradually receding. In many of them large amounts
of moraine cover the ice near the snout. During summer season they melt and
the water escapes through crevaces forming englacial streams issuing out of
tunnel like caves. They are not only the source of Himalayan rivers but also
maintain regular supply of water during off-monsson period.
The PANCH PRAYAGS
Prayag means confluence of two or more rivers. In India six such prayags
exist which are considered sacred as per Hindu religious beliefs. Apart
from Prayagraj five of theses prayags are in Uttarakhand which are called
Panch Prayags. These are-
1. Vishnuprayag- here Vishnuganga meets Dhauliganga to form
Alaknanda. A Vishnu temple standa next to a pond called Vishnu Kund.
2. Nandprayag- here river Nandakini meets river Alaknanda. It is named
after king Nanda.
3. Karnprayag- here river Pindar meets river Alaknanda. Karnaprayag is
also known to be the place where King Dushyant met Shakuntala.
Temple dedicated to Karna has been built here.
4. Rudraprayag- named after lord Shiva this is the place where river
Mandakini meets river Alaknanda. Ancient temple of Rudranathji is
dedicated to lord Shiva. From here two roads one towards Kedarnath and
other towards Badrinath exist.
5. Devprayag- river Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet to form the Ganga.
Temple of Raghunathji located here.