Gaphaz or the Glacier and Permafrost Hazards in Mountains

Gaphaz or the Glacier and Permafrost Hazards in Mountains

Context: A consortium of international glacier and permafrost scientists have found that mass movement activities are still occurring in the zone covering Chamoli in Uttarakhand which witnessed flash floods recently.

Concept:

Other observations

• Based on high resolution satellite imagery indications the group concluded continuing mass movement in region.
• It also said that another slope failure and avalanche can be critical for people and infrastructure downstream, close to the riverbed
• possibility of a glacier lake outburst flood as well and also said temporary lakes formed due to damming are unlikely to have had a direct effect on the flooding
• The depth of the failure plane is more than 100 m below surface, where no seasonal temperature variations are expected. The zone is in permafrost conditions, meaning ground temperatures are perennially below zero.
• It is also important to note that unstable geological configuration and steep topography can, on its own, be a sufficient driver of large slope failures.

About Gamphaz

• It is a scientific standing group of the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences and the International Permafrost Association.

Aim of the group

• Improving the international scientific communication on glacier and permafrost hazards
• Compiling of a state of knowledge related to glacier and permafrost hazards in high mountains
• Working towards a greater transfer of information and improved communication between the scientific and governmental communities
• Signposting sources of advice to international and national agencies, responsible authorities and private companies
• Acting as a focal point for information for international media during relevant crises.

About IACS

• IACS is one of eight associations of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG). IACS aims to promote the advancement of cryospheric sciences of the Earth and the solar system.

About IPA

• The International Permafrost Association, founded in 1983, has as its objectives to foster the dissemination of knowledge concerning permafrost and to promote cooperation among persons and national or international organizations engaged in scientific investigation and engineering work on permafrost.
• Membership is through adhering national or multinational organizations or as individuals in countries where no Adhering Body exists.
• It is an affiliated Organization of the International Union of Geological Sciences in July 1989.
• primary responsibilities are convening International Permafrost Conferences, undertaking special projects such as preparing databases, maps, bibliographies, and glossaries, and coordinating international field programs and networks