Monitoring Snow-Covered Dynamics and Impact on Climatic Change

Glaciated areas play a crucial role in cooling the planet; however, their accelerated melting initiates a feedback loop that decreases Earth's albedo, leading to further warming and increased melting. This phenomenon poses significant risks to Pakistan's agricultural productivity and energy supply, particularly in the Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindukush (HKH) mountain ranges. These regions are undergoing substantial changes due to global warming and regional climate variability. Glaciers and snow packs in these areas function as natural reservoirs, releasing vital meltwater during the summer to sustain river flows, especially the Indus River, which is essential for Pakistan's agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower. This study aims to monitor the extent, mass, and distribution of snow cover in the HKH ranges to assess local vulnerability and provide a comprehensive evaluation of ongoing climate change impacts. By analyzing Landsat 5, 7, and 8’s Tier 1 Top of Atmosphere (TOA) reflectance products, the annual median snow cover from 1991 to 2020 was calculated to visualize and quantify snow cover dynamics in Hunza Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The results revealed no significant trends in total snow cover, with only minor fluctuations and variations from the mean value, and notable reductions during strong El Niño years. These findings underscore the critical importance of glaciated areas and the threats posed by their melting. Ongoing monitoring and comprehensive regional assessments are vital to understanding the impacts of climate change on snow cover dynamics. Such efforts are essential for developing adaptive strategies to mitigate adverse effects on Pakistan's water resources, agriculture, and energy systems