Date of Award

12-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences

Department

Geography and Environmental Studies

First Reader/Committee Chair

Jennifer Alford

Abstract

The glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalaya are critical for sustaining the water supply of South Asia's major rivers, upon which over 230 million people, both in the mountainous regions and lowland areas, depend. Climate change is driving rapid glaciers melt near the summit of Mount Everest, located at an elevation of approximately 7,906 meters (25,938 feet). This has resulted in glacier thinning occurring up to 80 times faster than the original ice formation. However, due to their disposition in a complex topographic setting and inaccessible terrain, continuous glacier observations pose significant challenges.

This study evaluated the mass balance of five glaciers in the Everest region, including Khumbu, Nuptse, Lhotse Nup, Lhotse, and Imja, over the period from 2012 to 2024. The analysis of glacier mass balance changes was conducted using both the Accumulation Area Ratio (AAR) method and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) differencing techniques. The main objective of this study was to assess glacier mass balance change over the Khumbu region from 2012 to 2024, estimate the increased water flow to local water bodies, and provide key insights for protecting downstream communities. Additionally, the study aimed to compare both methodologies for a comprehensive assessment. ASTER DEM data (from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer, ASTER) were employed for DEM differencing, while Landsat imagery was utilized for AAR analysis. Both methods confirmed widespread thinning, despite some uncertainties in the data.

According to the findings from the DEM differencing method, the mass balance for these five glaciers in the Khumbu region declined by an average of -1.73 meters water equivalent annually. Notably, the last five years have seen extreme glacier melting, with Imja experiencing the highest glacier mass loss at 5.28 meters water equivalent annually. The AAR method demonstrated a significant decline in the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) across all five glaciers, indicating that glaciers are melting rapidly. These results underscore the urgency of implementing precautions to mitigate the risks of unpredictable flooding, with further assessments needed to prevent adverse impacts on local communities.

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