228-3 Assessing Glacial Mass Change and Its Impact on Water Resources in Parts of the Himalayas Using Satellite Remote Sensing

Session: Advances in Mountain Hydrology: Connecting Cryosphere, Surface, and Subsurface Processes (Posters)

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Glaciers in Nepal's Himalayan region are retreating rapidly due to climate warming, altering water availability for downstream populations. This study focuses on the Langtang and Kanchenjunga areas in Nepal, where glacier-fed rivers are critical for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water supplies. Using GRACE and GRACE-FO satellite gravimetry data, combined with GLDAS hydrological outputs and in situ streamflow records, this research quantifies glacier mass loss and its impact on regional hydrology. Glacier Storage Anomalies are derived by decomposing Terrestrial Water Storage Anomalies, allowing assessment of seasonal and decadal trends. Temporal decomposition and regression modeling are applied to identify statistically significant changes. Additionally, correlation analyses between satellite-derived indicators and river discharge datasets reveal how glacier melt contributes to seasonal flow patterns. Results are expected to reveal significant seasonal and interannual variability in glacier-fed river discharge, with critical implications for dry-season water availability. This work contributes to understanding glacier and hydrology interactions in the eastern Himalayas and supports sustainable water resource planning under changing climatic conditions.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-10207

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