Gangotri Glacier

Credit: NASA image by Jesse Allen, Earth Observatory; based on data provided by the ASTER Science Team, Posted on: Wednesday, 23 June 2004, 06:00 CDT Download full size image

Many scientists regard receding glaciers as a symptom of global climate change. While certain types of glaciers—such as surge glaciers and tidewater glaciers—are actually expanding, there are many areas where scientists report glaciers are wasting away and that climate change is the culprit. For instance, 150 years ago there were 147 glaciers in Glacier National Park. Today, only 37 glaciers remain, and scientists say they will likely completely melt by the year 2030. Similarly, glaciers all across the Alps are retreating and disappearing every year. The false-color image above shows the Gangotri Glacier, situated in the Uttarkashi District of Garhwal Himalaya. Currently 30.2 km long and between 0.5 and 2.5 km wide, Gangotri glacier is one of the largest in the Himalaya. Gangotri has been receding since 1780, although studies show its retreat quickened after 1971.

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