SNOW AND VEGETATION CHARACTERIZATION FOR HIMALAYAN RIVER BASINS USING GOOGLE EARTH ENGINE

Abstract

Himalayas are one of the largest placeholders for snow and ice outside the Arctic circle and Poles. Geographical settings of the Himalayas, its closeness to the Indian Ocean, along with large mountain ranges and sub-polar settings contribute to an annual cycle of snowing and melt runoffs. Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers systems are sustained by this annual cycle of melt runoff in the Himalayas. Approximately 40-50% of the flow from and snow melt runoffs are received by the above river systems. This water sustains the high demand of water use from a large segment of the Indian population, residing in the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Himalayas for various usage requirements such as irrigational, industrial and domestic water use. This water also serves as a source for hydropower generation and for sustaining the Himalayan floral and faunal diversity. Monitoring of Himalayan snow is thus essential, not only for the above stated reasons, but also due to hazard management associated with the many natural hazards occurring in the Himalayas such as avalanches, lake bursts and subsequent flooding, mass wasting and debris flow. Monitoring snow and ice in the Himalayas is thus imperative for its hydrological significance and for mitigating associated hazards in the region.