Snow cover variation and streamflow simulation in a snow-fed river basin of the Northwest Himalaya

Sharma, Vaibhav; Mishra, V. D.; Joshi, Pawan Kumar

doi:10.1007/s11629-012-2419-1

Cited by 47 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Although much is at stake, our understanding of the spatial variability of snow accumulation and melt (altitude, east to west) is limited by a lack of research on an appropriate scale in the HKH region. The bulk of these studies have a regional to sub-regional focus (Zhang et al, 2004;Dahe et al, 2006;Li et al 2008;Zhang et al, 2010;Gurung et al 2011b;Maskey et al, 2011;Jin et al, 2015;Singh et al, 2014), and catchment level research is even more sparse (Jain et al, 2009;Kulkarni et al, 2010;Sharma et al, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate and topographic controls on snow cover dynamics in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Gurung

Maharjan

Shrestha³

et al. 2017

Intl Journal of Climatology

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Snow governs interaction between atmospheric and land surface processes in high mountains, and is also source of fresh water. It is thus important to both climate scientists and local communities. However, our understanding of snow cover dynamics in terms of space and time is limited across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, which is known to be a climatically sensitive region. We used MODIS snow cover area (SCA) data (2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012), APHRODITE temperature data (2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007), and monthly long term in-situ river discharge data of the Gandaki (1968Gandaki ( -2010, Koshi (1977Koshi ( -2010 and Manas (1987Manas ( -2004 basins to analyse variations among four basins. We gained insights into short term SCA and temperature, long term discharge trends, and regional variability thereby. Strong correlations were observed among SCA, temperature and discharge thereby highlighting the strong nexus between them. Temporal and spatial snow cover variability across the basins is strongly coupled with the variability of two weather systems: Western Disturbances (WD) and Indian Monsoon System (IMS), and strongly influenced by topography. Manifestation of these variability in terms if downstream discharge can have repercussion to water based sectors: hydropower and agriculture, as low flow seasons is seen affected. This study adds to our knowledge of snow fall and melt dynamics in the HKH region, and intra-annual snow melt contributions to downstream discharges. The study is limited by short span of data and it is desirable to perform a similar study using data representing a much longer time span.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate and topographic controls on snow cover dynamics in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Gurung

Maharjan

Shrestha³

et al. 2017

Intl Journal of Climatology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Reflectance Image: Scaled integer (SI) values from satellite data were converted into the reflectance values using Equation (1) (Butt and Bilal 2011;Sharma et al 2012):…”

Section: Satellite Data and Its Processingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The values of reflectance scale and reflectance offset can be inferred from meta information available with the satellite data (Sharma et al 2012). …”

Section: Satellite Data and Its Processingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A threshold value of 0.4 was used to discriminate the snow pixel using NDSI. In order to avoid merging of water bodies in the snow covered pixels criterion NDSI > 0.40 and the reflectance of MODIS band-2 (Infrared band) >11% was used Sharma et al 2012).…”

Section: Topographic Correctionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The runoff coefficients take care of evapo-transpiration and other related runoff losses from the basin. Sharma et al (2012), has reported the values of runoff and recession coefficients for the Jhelum basin based on the calibration and validation of four years (2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)) discharge data. In order to avoid overfitting of hydrograph, the values of calibration coefficients was taken from Sharma et al (2012).…”

Section: Streamflow Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Implications of climate change on streamflow of a snow-fed river system of the Northwest Himalaya

2013

Self Cite

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Air temperature and snow cover variability are sensitive indicators of climate change. This study was undertaken to forecast and quantify the potential streamflow response to climate change in the Jhelum River basin. The implications of air temperature trends (+0.11°C/decade) reported for the entire north-west Himalaya for past century and the regional warming (+0.7°C/decade) trends of three observatories analyzed between last two decades were used for future projection of snow cover depletion and stream flow. The streamflow was simulated and validated for the year 2007-2008 using snowmelt runoff model (SRM) based on in-situ temperature and precipitation with remotely sensed snow cover area. The simulation was repeated using higher values of temperature and modified snow cover depletion curves according to the assumed future climate. Early snow cover depletion was observed in the basin in response to warmer climate. The results show that with the increase in air temperature, streamflow pattern of Jhelum will be severely affected. Significant redistribution of streamflow was observed in both the scenarios. Higher discharge was observed during spring-summer months due to early snowmelt contribution with water deficit during monsoon months. Discharge increased by 5%−40% during the months of March to May in 2030 and 2050. The magnitude of impact of air temperature is higher in the scenario-2 based on regional warming. The inferences pertaining to change in future streamflow pattern can facilitate long term decisions and planning concerning hydro-power potential, water resource management and flood hazard mapping in the region.

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The Status of Current Knowledge, Distribution, and Conservation Challenges of Wetland Ecosystems in Kashmir Himalaya, India

Dar

Bhat

Rashid

2021

Wetlands Conservation

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Snow cover variation and streamflow simulation in a snow-fed river basin of the Northwest Himalaya

Cited by 47 publications

References 40 publications

Climate and topographic controls on snow cover dynamics in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Climate and topographic controls on snow cover dynamics in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Implications of climate change on streamflow of a snow-fed river system of the Northwest Himalaya

The Status of Current Knowledge, Distribution, and Conservation Challenges of Wetland Ecosystems in Kashmir Himalaya, India

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