Evaluating glacier dynamics using temporal remote sensing images: A case study of hunza valley, northern Pakistan

Abstract

Glaciers are the major source of water for drainage network. Northern Pakistan is hosting some of the largest and longest glaciers. Studies evaluating the temporal dynamics of glaciers in Pakistan shows contradictory results of retreat, stable of advancing behavior. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the temporal dynamics in three glaciers in northern Pakistan, using Landsat satellite images. The Landsat images for the years of 1977, 1999, 2001, 2007, 2009 and 2014 shows retreat in selected Hispar, Birpu and Bualtar glaciers. To evaluate the impact of weather indicators of the glaciers dynamics, the temporal glaciers inventories were compared with the rainfall and temperature for the corresponding years. This study should assist to understand the glaciers dynamics and future climate of the region.