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<p>The Gangotri Glacier, one of the largest valley glaciers in the central Himalaya, plays a critical role in regulating meltwater contributions to the upper Ganga Basin. This review synthesises multi-decadal studies (1965–2023) on the glacier’s climate response, focusing on observed retreat, mass-balance changes, thinning, evolution of debris cover, and associated hydrological implications. Published estimates indicate a cumulative retreat exceeding 1.5&#xa0;km since the mid-twentieth century, with predominantly negative mass-balance values of − 0.3 to − 1.1&#xa0;m.w.e.yr<sup>−1</sup> in recent decades. Geodetic observations reveal widespread thinning, particularly in the ablation zone, accompanied by increasing debris cover and the formation of supraglacial lakes. These changes have important implications for downstream water availability, seasonal runoff variability, hydropower reliability, and infrastructure risk in the upper Ganga Basin. By integrating glacier dynamics with hydrological relevance, this review highlights emerging challenges for sustainable water-resource management and long-term infrastructure planning under continued climatic warming.</p>

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Climate response of the Gangotri Glacier and its hydrological implications: a comprehensive review for sustainable water infrastructure

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月5日

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  • Harsh Jha,
  • Susmita Ghosh

摘要

The Gangotri Glacier, one of the largest valley glaciers in the central Himalaya, plays a critical role in regulating meltwater contributions to the upper Ganga Basin. This review synthesises multi-decadal studies (1965–2023) on the glacier’s climate response, focusing on observed retreat, mass-balance changes, thinning, evolution of debris cover, and associated hydrological implications. Published estimates indicate a cumulative retreat exceeding 1.5 km since the mid-twentieth century, with predominantly negative mass-balance values of − 0.3 to − 1.1 m.w.e.yr−1 in recent decades. Geodetic observations reveal widespread thinning, particularly in the ablation zone, accompanied by increasing debris cover and the formation of supraglacial lakes. These changes have important implications for downstream water availability, seasonal runoff variability, hydropower reliability, and infrastructure risk in the upper Ganga Basin. By integrating glacier dynamics with hydrological relevance, this review highlights emerging challenges for sustainable water-resource management and long-term infrastructure planning under continued climatic warming.