Multivariate statistical analysis and geospatial approach for evaluating hydro-geochemical characteristics of meltwater from Shaune Garang glacier, Himachal Pradesh, India

The study focuses on the hydro-geochemistry of Shaune Garang glacier’s meltwater concerning glacial geomorphology. Seventy-nine water samples (53 in 2016 and 26 2017) ablation season were analysed. cations dominant order Ca2+ > Mg2+ Na+ K+, anions HCO3− SO42− Cl− NO3−. result demonstrated that abundant ions, accounting for 41.03 34.84% total ionic budget (TZ). high proportions (Ca2+ + Mg2+) versus TZ+ (Na+ K+) identified as primary factors influencing dissolved ion chemistry meltwater. Piper diagram shows Ca2+–HCO3– type is most common, followed by Mg2+–HCO3–. In addition, a remote sensing approach has been used to find possible source chemical constituents catchment geology mapped various scales, including diverse rocks unconsolidated surface materials containing “quartz carbonate minerals”. Layered silicates (LS) “hydroxyl-bearing minerals” are not common they be, but their availability varies greatly area where found. distribution LS minerals within majorly found at lower altitudes, which implies weathering mechanism due interaction parental rock. Multivariate analysis revealed CO3 SiO2 weathering, sulphate dissolution, pyrite oxidation dominate concentrations. Chemometric through principal component explains 72.1% variance four PCs. PCs 1, 2, 3, 4 explain 39.21%, 12.91%, 10.24%, 9.74% variance, respectively, 2016. Similarly, 2017, 69.91% variance. PC can 26.62%, 20.12%, 12.64%, 10.52%