Glacier mass balance data from Rikha Samba, Nepal

Of the 3,800 glaciers in Nepal, we have been systematically monitoring Yala Glacier in Langtang, and Rikha Samba Glacier in Mustang since 2011. Data collected from these glaciers are submitted to the World Glacier Monitoring Service.

As one of the essential climate variables, glaciers help us better understand the climate system. Regular monitoring of glacier mass balance provides information about the water stored and released as ice melt within a given period. The HKH region has the largest ice repository outside of the polar regions and is the source of water for ten major rivers in Asia.

The impact of climate change on glaciers has increased the risk of associated geohazards and is driving changes in downstream water availability in the region. The region is sensitive to climate change and has been witnessing rapid glacier melt, increased frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, and a shift in monsoon patterns. Hence, there is a growing need for the HKH countries to improve their knowledge and understanding of these changes, and to determine the implications for the region’s water supply.

In collaboration with our partners from Nepal and with support from the governments of Norway and Switzerland, we are implementing the project “Monitoring and assessment of changes in glaciers, snow and glacio-hydrology in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.”