Mapping and modelling of mountain permafrost in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region using GIS and remote sensing methods

Abstract

Permafrost occupies significantly large areas within the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. newlineDespite considerable presence, there has been limited investigation about permafrost newlineoccurrence and ongoing changes in permafrost areas. Additionally, there has been little newlineinvestigation about the consequent effects of permafrost thaw due to rising temperatures, newlineespecially in the Indian Himalayan region. Permafrost thaw due to warming climate in the newlineregion poses a serious threat to the stability of frozen ground surfaces, steep mountain newlineslopes and natural moraine dams holding glacial melt waters. Continuous thawing due to newlinerising temperatures could lead to ground subsidence, mountain slope failures and newlinecollapse of natural moraine dams. Ground subsidence and mountain slope failures could newlinesignificantly affect mountain pasture and human settlements in high elevation areas. newlineFailure of natural moraine dams could result in glacial lake outburst floods causing loss newlineof several lives and properties.Results support the suitability of remote sensing and GIS technologies in mapping newlinepermafrost in the Himalayan region. Results also indicate the applicability of machine newlinelearning techniques for modelling mountain permafrost. Statistical analyses were found newlinenecessary to understand the effect of changing environmental variables. newline