This paper discusses research on the retreating glaciers of the Himalayas. Glacier retreat has received increased attention as a sensitive indicator of global warming. Based on medium-resolution Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images acquired between 1990 and 2009, high-resolution GeoEye IKONOS images acquired in 2005, and a digital elevation model (DEM) provided by NASA's Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) carried out by the space shuttle Endeavour in 2000, this study focuses on the spatial and temporal variation of the moraine-covered Gangotri Glacier - one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas. Image calibration was carried out to convert Landsat TM digital numbers (DN) into radiance and reflectance for better comparison between images acquired on different dates. Reflectance spectral curves were derived from both glacial and non-glacial features for more accurate image interpretation. IKONOS images were used to accurate mapping of glacier terrain features. SRTM DEM was used to determine glacial flow directions and aid in image interpretation. Multi-temporal analyses of Landsat TM images acquired in 1990, 2001, and 2009 show that the Gangotri Glacier retreated 345 meters from 1990 to 2009, with a retreating rate of approximately 18 meters per year. The results also show that there are no obvious changes in glacial retreating rates during 1990-2001 and 2001-2009. However, the River Ganges may potentially become a seasonal river as a result of continued glacier retreating, affecting hundreds of millions of people on the Indian subcontinent.

11 p.

• English

• Sponsor : Honors College University of North Texas

• ARK: ark:/67531/metadc84326