Date of Award
Spring 5-3-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS) in Geographic Information Science & Technology
Department
Chemistry & Geosciences
Committee Chair
Dr. Saeideh Gharehchahi
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive assessment of glacial lakes and land surface temperature (LST) dynamics within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) from 2010 to 2023. The KCA holds significant ecological importance, serving as a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna, while also playing a vital role in regional hydrological systems. Additionally, its stunning landscapes attract tourists and mountaineers from around the world, further emphasizing the need for understanding environmental changes within the area. Utilizing medium to high-resolution satellite imagery from PlanetScope for glacial mapping and Landsat for LST analysis, the research aimed to achieve two primary objectives: creating an updated inventory of glacial lakes and conducting a thorough assessment of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) hazards associated with these lakes. Focusing on a 200-meter buffer around Randolph Glacier Inventory (RGI) boundaries ensured precise analysis within the glacial zone.
In 2023, a total of 140 glacial lakes covering 3.37 km² were identified, revealing their spatial distribution and characteristics. Of these, 76 were supra-glacial lakes and 27 were proglacial lakes, highlighting their dominance in the region. Analysis of elevation profiles highlighted the prevalence of lakes at higher elevations, while size distribution analysis showed dominance of small to medium-sized lakes, with larger classes contributing significantly to total lake area. Furthermore, the study assessed the trends in land surface temperature (LST), revealing mean temperatures of -8.73°C in 2010, -7.28°C in 2015, and -7.09°C in 2023. These temperature variations have significant implications for glacial melt rates, vegetation dynamics, and local climate patterns.
Additionally, hazard assessment of glacial lakes identified varying levels of GLOF susceptibility, with one lake categorized as 'Very High,' one as 'High,' five as 'Low,' and three as 'Very Low' hazard levels. This assessment was conducted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Overall, this study contributes to understanding the complex dynamics of glacial lakes and LST in the KCA, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and assessment for informed decision-making and mitigation strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions.