Decadal terminus position changes and ice thickness measurement of Menthosa Glacier in Lahaul region of North-Western Himalaya

Glacier ice-thickness measurement and distribution is one of the essential variables to assess present status glacier-water equivalent its volumetric reserve as well model future glacier dynamics under climate changing scenario. Yet, substantial gaps in ice thickness information exist for Himalayan glaciers. The study provides a long-term assessment (1965–2016) recessional area change patterns, detailed field-based (2016–2017) Ground Penetrating Radar(GPR), derived Menthosa Glacier, Lahaul Himalaya. Additionally, examines whether modelled from remote sensing data consistent with GPR how can it be improved. extensive field surveys coupled multi-temporal high (Corona KH-4A) medium resolution (Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper+ (ETM+)/Operational Land Imager (OLI), Sentinel 2A-Multispectral Instrument (MSI)) cross-sectional surveyed profile measurements have been used examine past half century fluctuation recent estimations, respectively. results show that receded by 301.5 ± 19.2 m during an average annual retreat 5.9 0.4 a−1, whereas lost 0.09 km2 frontal section. Field over decade (2006–2017) also conforms continuous pattern degeneration particularly surface lowering significant appearance ice-cliffs ablation lateral zones this period. (2017) minimum 24 meters at 4691 a.s.l. (in lower part area) maximum 55 measured 4758 upper left-side tributary area). Moreover, remotely sensed having Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between 38 72 10 compared thickness.