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CRYOSPHERE INITIATIVE
The collaborative HKH CryoHub platform supports knowledge generation and exchange, learning, and networking, to create better connected practitioners and decision makers to enhance work and policies relevant to the cryosphere in the region.
Our focus
The CryoHub links regional institutions conducting cryosphere-related research and provides a platform through which a common approach to data sharing is being promoted to improve our understanding of water resources and their management in the HKH.
The regional CryoHub is a collaborative effort through which we share and disseminate data and information using a network of national partners from and beyond our RMCs. It serves as a clearing house for cryosphere-related data and information for relevant operational services and research activities. As a knowledge hub, it integrates geospatial data to support knowledge development and decision making, and builds on capacity building efforts in the HKH for future generations of scientists.
Our activities under the regional CryoHub include:
In the spotlight
For this issue of HKH CryoHub: In the Spotlight, we are in conversation with Associate Prof. Hedayatullah Arian, Head – Hydrometeorology Department, Kabul University, Afghanistan.
The comprehensive baseline information on the glaciers of the HKH region was generated semi-automatically using more than 200 Landsat 7 ETM+ images of 2005 ± 3 years with minimum cloud and snow coverage. The glacier outlines were derived by using object-based image classification method separately for clean-ice and debris-covered glaciers with some manual intervention. The attribute data were assigned to each glacier using 90m resolution SRTM DEM. This data does not cover the China part.
Mala GeoScience ProEx ground penetrating radar (GPR) with a 30 MHz Rough Terrain Antenna (RTA) to measure the ice thickness and thermal regime of Rikha Samba Glacier in 2015.
Point thickness data of Rikha Samba glacier in Nepal collected with an impulse GPR transmitter (Ohio State University) with a set of half-wavelength 5 MHz dipole antennas in 2010. Data are published in Gilbert et al. 2020.
Elevation model of Lirung Glacier produced from unmanned aerial vehicle imagery using the Structure from Motion algorithm. The data is georeferenced using ground control points measured with differential GPS.
Orthomosaic of Lirung Glacier produced from unmanned aerial vehicle imagery using the Structure from Motion algorithm. The data is georeferenced using ground control points measured with differential GPS.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Featured publication
This First HKH Assessment Report consists of 16 chapters, which comprehensively assess the current state of knowledge of the HKH region, increase the understanding of various drivers of change and their impacts, address critical data gaps, and develop a set of evidence-based and actionable policy solutions and recommendations. These are linked to nine mountain priorities for the mountains and people of the HKH consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Resources
This policy summary looks at reported and possible future consequences of climate change in the greater Himalayan region.
Himalayan glaciers are retreating; the resultant long-term loss of natural fresh water storage will have as yet uncalculated effects.
Snow is an important component of the cryosphere, and the study of snow trends is essential for understanding regional climate change and for managing water resources.
This is the first comprehensive report on the distribution of glacial lakes for the HKH providing baseline data for further investigation of glacial lakes, GLOF hazards and risk assessments, and mitigation measures.
Partners
Resources and information for the media
Landmark study: Two-degree temperature rise could melt half of glaciers in Hindu Kush Himalaya region, destabilizing Asia’s rivers
