Application of digital elevation model and orthoimages derived from IRS-1C pan stereo data in monitoring variations in glacial dimensions

An attempt has been made to study variations in the glacier extent over a period of time using digital elevation model (DEM) and orthoimages derived from IRS-1C PAN stereo pairs of 1997–98 and topographical map surveyed during 1962–63. DEM and orthoimages have been generated using integrated software developed for processing of IRSIC/ID panchromatic stereo data using the softcopy photogrammetric workstation. Case studies of two glaciers, i.e. the Janapa garang and Shaune garang glaciers of the Basapa basin, a sub-basin of Satluj River in India, have been presented here. Generation of DEM has been followed by the estimation of its accuracy. PAN images were interpreted for identification of the snout of the glaciers. The geographical locations of the snouts on the images were compared with the location as mapped on the topographical map of the study area. To verify satellite observations, field investigations were carried out at Shaune garang glacier area. The Janapa garang and the Shaune garang are observed to have retreat of 596m and 923 m respectively. Reduction in the thickness of ice in the deglaciated part of the Shaune garang glacier was estimated on the basis of change in the elevations of the glacial surface from 1963 to 1998.