Theme-IV-7-Snow and glacier melt contribution in a Himalayan basin.

Abstract

A major source of runoff and groundwater recharge in middle and higher latitudes are contributed through snowmelt from seasonal snow covered areas of the Earth's mountain region. All the major South-Asian rivers originate in the Himalayas and their upper catchments are covered with snow and glaciers. In the present study Beas basin up to Pandoh dam has been selected located in the Western Himalayan region. The runoff in Himalaya Rivers is generated from rainfall, snow and ice. The distribution of runoff produced from these sources is such that the streamflow may be observed in these rivers throughout the year, i.e. they are perennial in nature. The average contribution of snow and glacier melt runoff in the annual flows of the Beas River at Pandoh Dam has been determined.