2008 · 33 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesEarth SciencesPhysical GeographyGlacier HydrologyGlaciologyStreamflow HydrologyGlacial RetreatGlacier DynamicsGlacier Melt ContributionsGlacier RetreatRiver HydraulicsWater FlowGlacial Meltwater RunoffGlacier Melt RunoffGlacier Outflow ContributionGlacier Retreat Impacts On RunoffGlacier Runoff ContributionHydrological Impacts Of Glacier RetreatHydrological Response To Glacier MeltSupraglacial Streamflow
Recently, there have been news items and discussions suggesting that the Gangotri glacier is melting at a rapid rate and it is likely that it will disappear in the next 20–30 years. Fears are being expressed that its disappearance will lead to a dry Ganga, which will not only jeopardize the life of more than 50 crore people, but also seriously hurt the religious sentiments of many more. This note presents a broad analysis of the flow contribution of major tributaries to the flow of the Ganga as well as the likely impact of the Gangotri glacier melt on the quantity of flow in this river at various locations.