Use of optical, thermal and microwave imagery for debris characterization in Bara-Shigri glacier, Himalayas, India

Debris cover over glaciers affects the rate of ablation and is considered as an indicator of glacier health. It also affects the ability to map glacier bodies and thereby has a bearing on accuracy of modeling used for climate prediction, runoff estimation, etc. Therefore, characterization and mapping of the debris over glacier is very important. This study deals with debris cover studies over Bara Shigri glacier in the Himalayas, using optical-thermal (ASTER) and radar (TerraSAR-X) data. It is observed that the supraglacial debris in the upper part of ablation area is characterized by a higher temperature and a higher radar backscatter. However, towards the terminus, the debris cover widens and becomes finer grained and muddy with variable water content and is studded with numerous small water bodies.