Sign in Subscribe
Climate change

Climate Change Impacts on Hydrology and Water Resources in Indian Himalayas

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research has revealed concerning shifts in the Garhwal Himalayas region's hydrology and water resources, primarily due to climate change. The study highlighted a significant increase in the peak of monthly rainfall in earlier months, ranging from June to August. Additionally, the projected climate ensemble of the chosen dataset required significant bias correction before it could be used for any purpose. Hydrological modeling indicated the possibility of vanishing snowpacks in the study area in the future, which, in turn, may result in higher discharge series in the future. The study concludes that climate change may lead to changing flood composition, emphasizing the need for future measuring programs, modeling, and data analysis research.

Key Takeaways:

  • A sub-catchment, Balganga River upstream Sarasgaon gauge, was analyzed using observed and projected future climate data for precipitation and temperature.
  • The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) precipitation dataset best matches the observations, revealing a noteworthy shift in the peak of monthly rainfall towards earlier months.
  • The projected climate ensemble of the chosen dataset (NEX-GDDP) required significant bias correction before it could be used for any purpose.
  • Hydrological modeling indicated the possibility of vanishing snowpacks in the study area in the future.
  • The simulated future discharge series of RCP 8.5 is magnitude-wise higher than that of future conditions under RCP 4.5.
  • A possible early shift is indicated for future conditions if a combination of snowmelt and rainfall-induced floods occurs in the study region.
  • The study highlighted the potential impact of climate change on floods in the Garhwal Himalayas region.
  • The findings underscore the need for future measuring programs, modeling, and data analysis research.
  • The study concluded that climate change may further form the basis for flood risk adaptation strategies in the Himalayan region and reduce associated uncertainties.

Read more