Abstract

Glaciers of mid latitude region are retreatingbecause of global warming acceleration. The Glacial avalanchehazards cause catastrophe in Shigar and Shyok basins. UsingSatellite and Topographic data, assessment of glacial avalanchehazards is conducted in this research. The study presents theglacial avalanche hazard assessment in visible and thermalbands based on various methods of image classification. TheDigital Elevation Model (DEM) is incorporated to gauge theindicators of glacial avalanche hazard as orientation, slope andelevation of the glaciers in the study area. The location of a sitevis-à-vis a glacier, melting behavior of the glaciers andgeo-morphology of the parent surface are taken as indicators ofglacial avalanche hazard. The results of the study show thatsettlements in Shyok basin are found more prone to glacialavalanche hazard in comparison with Shigar basin which hasresulted in destruction of infrastructure and heavy loss ofhuman lives.