Glacier retreat, mapping, and landform evolution in Jhelum Basin, Kashmir, India

Majeed, Zahid and Ahmad, Muneer and Mishra, Rakesh and Kumar, Pawan and Kumar, Kamal and Kumar, Ajai and Nandan, Vishnu and Remya, S. N. (2025) Glacier retreat, mapping, and landform evolution in Jhelum Basin, Kashmir, India. Earth Systems and Environment. ISSN 2509-9426

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Abstract

This study provides an assessment of glacier retreat in the Kashmir Himalayas using multi-temporal satellite imagery, field surveys, and geospatial analysis. The study covers glaciers across the Vth order glacierised basins of Lidder, Vishav-Rembiara, and Sind sub-basins of IVth order Jhelum basin. Key glaciers include Kolahoi, Sheshram, and Hoksar (Lidder basin); Chirsar I, Chirsar II, Bramsar, and 5Q21409006 (Vishav-Rembiara basin); and Pranmarg and Thajwas (Sind basin). Integration of field observations with multi-temporal satellite imagery indicates that all the studied glaciers are undergoing recession, exhibiting variable rates of frontal retreat and areal reduction. The largest glacier in the Jhelum Basin, Kolahoi, has receded 784 m between 1973 and 2022 at an average rate of 20 ma−1. Sheshram Glacier in East Lidder has retreated 627 m from 1979 to 2023, averaging 14 ma−1. In the Vishav-Rembiara basin, Chirsar I and Chirsar II have receded 339 m and 290 m respectively from 1973 to 2022, at rates of 9 ma−1 and 8 ma−1 respectively. Similarly, Pranmarg and Hoksar glaciers have receded 378 m and 374 m from 1979 to 2023, at rates of 9 ma−1 and 6 ma−1, respectively. These length losses are accompanied by significant reductions in glacier surface area. Over the study period i.e. from 1979 to 2023, Sheshram and Kolahoi glaciers lost 0.75 km² and 0.32 km², respectively. Smaller glaciers such as Chirsar I, Chirsar II, Pranmarg, and Hoksar lost 0.13 km², 0.13 km², 0.37 km², and 0.35 km², area respectively. Glacier recession also has led to the formation of rock glaciers in the Jhelum basin which is evidenced in the form of > 200 rock glacier landforms located mostly in the cirque area of the former glaciers. Continuous glacier recession has also led to the formation of rock glaciers, estimated to cover 48.26 km². In contrast, the GSI glacier inventory (2009) reported 133 glaciers in the Jhelum Basin covering 94.2 km², indicating that rock glaciers represent a significant component of the current cryospheric landscape. Apart from rock glaciers, proglacial lake formation is a direct consequence of glacier shrinkage and recession. Glacier recession in the Jhelum Basin has significant socio-economic implications, particularly for agriculture, water supply, and hydropower generation, as reduced glacial melt directly affects irrigation, drinking water availability, and energy security in the Kashmir region.

Item Type:	Article
Authors:	Majeed, Zahid and Ahmad, Muneer and Mishra, Rakesh and Kumar, Pawan and Kumar, Kamal and Kumar, Ajai and Nandan, Vishnu and Remya, S. N.
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Natural Sciences > Earth sciences Natural Sciences > Earth sciences > Geology, hydrology, meteorology Natural Sciences > Life sciences; biology > Ecology
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > School of Climate Change and Sustainability
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/6905
Publisher URL:	https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41748-0...

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• Glacier retreat, mapping, and landform evolution in Jhelum Basin, Kashmir, India. (deposited 18 Mar 2026 09:07)
  • Glacier retreat, mapping, and landform evolution in Jhelum Basin, Kashmir, India. (deposited 18 Mar 2026 09:39) [Currently Displayed]

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