Himalayan glaciers are retreating

Context

Studies show Himalayan glaciers are retreating but not at rapid pace: Govt

More about news:

• The studies showed that glaciers with an area of more than 10 square km are unlikely to get affected appreciably in the coming years. However, smaller glaciers of less than 2 square km area are likely to show rapid changes

        Why glaciers matters?

• Snow and glaciers are perennial sources of water for rivers originating from the Himalayas.
• Glaciers receive and accumulate snow in winter and release melt water in summer through surface flow, groundwater seepage.
• The rate of melting/recession varies from glaciers to glaciers depending on its topography and climatic variability of the region.
• Glaciers are also early indicators of climate changes that will have a somewhat more delayed impact on other parts of the Earth system.
• Glaciers are sentinels of climate change.
• They are the most visible evidence of global warming
• Glaciers’ white surfaces reflect the sun’s rays, helping to keep our current climate mild. When glaciers melt, darker exposed surfaces absorb and release heat, raising temperatures.
• A retreating glacier loses more water than it gains and so causes sea level to rise.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/studies-show-himalayan-glaciers-are-retreating-but-not-at-rapid-pace-govt/article35758553.ece?homepage=true