A Framework to Identify Rock Glaciers and Model Mountain Permafrost in the Jhelum Basin, Kashmir Himalaya, India

Deglaciation has led to the transformation of glaciers into rock glaciers in various mountainous regions worldwide. However, the science of permafrost and rock glaciers remains under-researched in the Himalayan region. This study presents a detailed inventory, dynamics, and permafrost distribution map for the Jhelum basin in the Kashmir Himalaya. The Permafrost Zonation Map (PZM) is created using a Logistic Regression Model based on topographic and climatic variables. High-resolution satellite images are used to identify rock glaciers as visual indicators. Active and relic rock glaciers are classified based on surface topography and geomorphology. Results reveal 207 rock glaciers in the Jhelum basin, covering similar to 50 km2, with over 100 falling into the active category. The PZM aligns well with the global permafrost zonation index map. Slope, aspect, and elevation of rock glaciers are computed using the ASTER Digital Elevation Model. The average elevations range from 3,700 m to 4,550 m, and the average surface slope ranges from 12 degrees to 26 degrees, with maximum slopes from 25 degrees to 65 degrees. Most rock glaciers are oriented toward the south or southeast. Field investigations confirm that these rock glaciers occur in highly elevated regions with steep slopes. This study provides valuable information on the high areal abundance of permafrost in the Himalayan region and suggests increased risks of thawing permafrost due to climate warming in the future. The findings contribute to the understanding of permafrost and rock glaciers, filling knowledge gaps in the Himalayan context. In this study, we focused on understanding how glaciers turn into rock glaciers and how permafrost is distributed in the Jhelum basin of the Kashmir Himalaya. We found that many glaciers in mountainous regions around the world have transformed into rock glaciers due to deglaciation. However, there is limited research on permafrost and rock glaciers in the Himalayan region. Using satellite images and on-the-ground investigations, we created a detailed inventory and map of rock glaciers in the Jhelum basin. We also developed a permafrost distribution map by considering factors like temperature, solar radiation, and slope aspect. This map helps us understand where permafrost is located in the area. Our findings revealed that there are 207 rock glaciers in the Jhelum basin, covering an area of approximately 50 square kilometers. More than 100 of these rock glaciers are active. The map we created aligns well with existing global permafrost maps, showing the accuracy of our approach. This study enhances our knowledge of permafrost and rock glaciers in the Himalayan region, providing important information about their presence and the potential risks associated with thawing permafrost due to climate change. Study investigates glacier-to-rock glacier transformation in Jhelum basin, Kashmir Himalaya due to deglaciationPresents detailed rock glacier inventory, dynamics, and permafrost distribution map using satellite images and field investigationsHighlights high permafrost abundance in Himalayan region, indicating increased thawing risks with climate warming