The calc-alkaline Ladakh batholith (NW Himalayas) was dated to constrain the timing of continental collision and subsequent deformation. Batholith growth ended when collision disrupted subduction of the Tethyan oceanic lithosphere, and thus the youngest magmatic pulse indirectly dates the collision. Both U-Pb ages on zircons from three samples of the Ladakh batholith and K-Ar from one subvolcan...

Mountain systems of Northern Pakistan are highly vulnerable due to their spatial locality, low natural capacity, insufficient or no alternatives cope and reduce the adverse impacts posed by stresses. This case study aims provide a holistic approach estimate district-level disaster risk vulnerability rankings in northern mountains (∼72,000 km2) integrating inferences from hazard assessments. Bas...

This paper gives a synthesis of this special issue on the sensitivity to climate change of the main bio-physical processes in the Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalayas. It also describes the impacts on the water resources with a special focus on the Ganges. Consequences of changes in water resources and possible adaptation measures for different sectors are discussed.

The Nubra-Shyok confluence in northern Ladakh is a key area for understanding the tectonic evolution of NW Himalaya and provides the basis for linking the geology of Pakistan to that of Tibet. The geology of the confluence area has been the subject of much speculation centred mainly on the existence of ophiolites and their regional significance. These ophiolites are thought to represent the eas...

Under the Superstition Mountains in central Arizona toil those who would rob humankind o f its humanity. These gray, soulless monsters methodically tear away at our meaning, our subjectivity, our essence as transcendent beings. With each advance, they steal our freedom and dignity. Who are these denizens of darkness, these usurpers of all that is good and holy? None other than humanity’s arch-f...

Climate warming has a significant impact on the water cycle, especially in regions where supply is dominated by snow and glacier meltwater. In this study, spatiotemporal changes of snowpack Yarkant River Basin (YRB) west Upper Indus (WUIB), associated with Karakoram Mountains, were examined using Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily cloud-free cover product. A sensitivity...

Glaciers are sensitive indicators of climate change and have a significant influence on regional water cycle, human survival social development. Global warming has led to great changes in glaciers over the High Mountain Asia (HMA) region. Glacier elevation is measure glacier mass balance driven by processes energy exchange between surface atmosphere which influenced climatic factors properties....