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).