Rock Glaciers

A study has pointed out that the 100 active permafrost structures identified in Jhelum basin, can cause catastrophic disasters in future.

A rock glacier is a mass of rock, ice, snow, mud, and water that moves slowly down a mountain under the influence of gravity.

Formation - They typically form in mountainous regions where there is a combination of permafrost, rock debris, and ice.

- A pre-existing glacier may accumulate debris and rocks as it moves.
- Over time, if the glacier recedes or thaws, the debris-covered ice can transform into a rock glacier.

Permafrost - Thick ground layers frozen for at least 2 years

Types - They are classified as ‘active’ or ‘relict’ to indicate the status of permafrost within them, identified by the appearance of the rock surfaces.

Rock glaciers in Kashmir Himalayas - The Kashmir Himalayas dotted with these rock glaciers is facing deglaciation (retreat or melting of ice sheets and glaciers).

The study has pointed that rock glaciers will become a more common mountain landform in the future, as debris concentrations increase in the melting glaciers due to global warming.
The researchers found that some rock glaciers near glacial lakes in the region such as Chirsar Lake and Bramsar Lake particularly increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

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