Alaknanda Basin Hanging Glaciers

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Alaknanda Basin Hanging Glaciers

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Alaknanda Basin Hanging Glaciers

A new study identifies 219 hanging glaciers in Uttarakhand’s Alaknanda basin with unstable ice volumes and avalanche potential. The finding highlights glacial hazards linked to break-off events and downstream risks.

Hanging Glaciers:

Dimension Key Details
Study Finding Identification of 219 hanging glaciers in Uttarakhand’s Alaknanda basin.
Definition Provides for a glacier that terminates at the edge of a cliff or steep slope instead of extending into a valley floor.
Ice Transfer Mechanism Feeding of ice below through icefalls and avalanches.
Stability Inherent instability due to location on steep slopes or cliff edges.
Hazards Comprises catastrophic break-off events, glacial lake outburst flood triggering, and river blockage.
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Q 1 / 5
With reference to hanging glaciers, consider the following statements:
1. A hanging glacier terminates at the edge of a cliff or steep slope rather than extending into a valley floor.
2. A hanging glacier typically extends and spreads over a flat valley floor.
Which of the statements given above are correct?