Karakoram range

• Perspective • 06 January 2020 Manifestations and mechanisms of the Karakoram glacier Anomaly • ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3417-4570 • ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2010-9543 • ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6906-2662 • ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7602-7926 • … • ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5157-1183 Show authors Nature Geoscience volume 13, pages 8–16 ( 2020) Global-scale glacier shrinkage is one of the most prominent signs of ongoing climatic change. However, important differences in glacier response exist at the regional scale, and evidence has accumulated that one particular region stands out: the Karakoram. In the past two decades, the region has shown balanced to slightly positive glacier budgets, an increase in glacier ice flow speeds, stable to partially advancing glacier termini and widespread glacier surge activity. This is in stark contrast to the rest of High Mountain Asia, where glacier retreat and slowdown dominate, and glacier surging is largely absent. Termed the Karakoram Anomaly, recent observations show that the anomalous glacier behaviour partially extends to the nearby Western Kun Lun and Pamir. Several complementary explanations have now been presented for the Anomaly’s deeper causes, but our understanding is far from complete. Whether the Anomaly will continue to exist in the coming decades remains unclear, but its long-term persistence seems unlikely in light of the considerable warming anticipated by current projections of future climate. • Hewitt, K. Rock...

Abruzzi Glacier The Abruzzi Glacier is a glacier north of the Baltoro Kangri peak in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The glacier joins the Baltoro Glacier (one of the largest glaciers outside the polar region) that flows northwest in the beginning and then turns westward. The glacier provides superb views of K2, the highest peak in Pakistan. The glacier was named in honor of Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of the Abruzzi an Italian mountaineer and arctic explorer who led an expedition to the Karakoram mountain range in 1909, including several partial ascents of K2. Baltoro Glacier The Baltoro Glacier at 63 km (39 mi) in length, is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. It is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It runs through part of the Karakoram mountain range. The Baltoro Muztagh lies to the south and east of the glacier, while the Masherbrum Mountains lie to the south. At 8,611 m (28,251 ft), K2 is the highest mountain in the region, and three other Eight thousanders within 20 km. The glacier gives rise to the Shigar River, which is a tributary of the Indus River. Several large tributary glaciers feed the main Baltoro Glacier, including the Godwin Austen Glacier, flowing south from K2; the Abruzzi and the various Gasherbrum Glaciers, flowing from the Gasherbrum group of peaks; the Vigne Glacier, flowing from Chogolisa, and the Yermandendu Glacier, flowing from Masherbrum. The confluence of the main Baltoro Glacier with the Godwin Austen Glacier is...

In this article, You will read Himalayan Ranges: Greater Himalayas, Middle Himalayas, Shiwaliks, Trans-Himalayas & Purvanchal – for UPSC IAS. Major Physical Divisions of India • The Himalayan Mountains • The Northern Plains • The Peninsular Plateau • The Indian Desert • The Coastal Plains • The Islands Indian Islands • Two major groups – Lakshadweep and, Andaman and Nicobar islands. • Lakshadweep are a group of atolls occupied by coral reefs. No significant volcanism or tectonic activity in the recent past. Highly vulnerable to sea-level rise. • Andaman and Nicobar islands – Continuation of Arakan Yoma. Has active volcanoes and is tectonically active. Division of the Himalayas • Shiwaliks or outer Himalayas • Lesser or Middle Himalayas • The Greater Himalayas • The Trans-Himalayas – Tibetan Himalayas. • The Eastern Hills – Purvanchal: A chain of hills in North-East India. Himalayan Ranges • Series of several parallel or converging ranges. • The ranges are separated by deep valleys creating a highly dissected topography. • The southern slopes have steep gradientsand the northern slopes have comparatively gentler slopes. • Most of the Himalayan ranges fall in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The northern slopes are partly situated in Tibet (trans-Himalayas) while the western extremity lies in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. • The Himalayas between Tibet and Ganga Plain is a succession of three parallel ranges. Shiwalik Range • Also known as Outer Himalayas. • Located in be...

Geography Aerial view of the central Karakoram Mountain Range in Pakistan. Karakoram Pass is a high altitude pass and one of the highest ancient trade routes at 5,540m above sea level. It passes through a ridge between two mountains and is about 45m wide. The pass has no vegetation nor snow because of the high-speed wind, which constantly blows in the region. Animal life is also non-existent in the area. However, temperatures are low, and blizzards are common. Because of the lack of vegetation, numerous pack animals have died along the pass, with animal bones littering the trail. Despite the harsh climate conditions, the Karakoram Pass is relatively easy to traverse because it ascends gradually on either side and lacks snow or ice for most of the time. However, the road is not motorable and is closed for traffic (Khunjerab Pass, on the Pakistan-China border, is the range's only motorable pass).

The Pamir and Karakoram ranges, which are part of the broader Hindu Kush Himalayan region, include some of the tallest peaks in the world and are home to a mosaic of cultures, peoples, and landscapes. Known as the “Roof of the World,” these magnificent ranges span parts of East Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, the countries where Central Asia Institute focuses its work. CAI’s programs provide support to communities in these remote, high-mountain areas, where few other international organizations work and where local culture and traditions still hold sway. Delivering on our mission of bringing education, especially for girls and women, to these areas requires meeting people where they are—understanding their values, attitudes, and traditions. We do so by working through local partners who collaborate closely with community members to ensure their buy-in and the sustainability of our programs. For many living on the “Roof of the World”, life is lived above the clouds. The average altitude of a Hindu Kush peak is 14,700 feet above sea level, and the highest peak in the Karakoram range, K2, reaches a staggering 28,251 feet. Remote communities spread throughout isolated valleys are often cut off in the wintertime, when heavy snow and treacherous roads make transportation difficult. In addition to harsh winters, the area is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, droughts, flooding, and mudslides. The effects of climate ch...

Welcome to the breathtaking world of the Karakoram Range, a majestic mountain range located in Pakistan that boasts some of the world’s highest peaks and mesmerizing landscapes with eighteen summits. Embarking on a trekking adventure in the Karakoram Range is an experience like no other. From challenging trails to awe-inspiring vistas, this guide will take you through the essentials of trekking in this remarkable region. Unveiling the Karakoram Range Before you embark on your trekking journey, it is essential to have a good understanding of the region’s geography, history, and culture. The Karakoram Range is a part of the greater Himalayan mountain system and spans over 500 km across the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The name Karakoram comes from the local language and translates to “black gravel.” The range is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Gasherbrum I and II, and Broad Peak, among others. The Karakoram Range also features numerous glaciers, including the Baltoro, Batura, and Hispar glaciers, which are among the world’s longest. Selecting the Perfect Trek The Karakoram Range offers numerous trekking options, ranging from easy and moderate treks to challenging and technical ones. The trek you choose will depend on your physical fitness level, experience, and personal preferences. One of the most popular treks in the region is the Preparing for the Adventure Trekking in the Karakoram Range is a physically demanding activity t...

K2 trek Pakistan 2019 K2 trek is one of the most exciting trips on earth. The Journey Landing at Skardu’s airport on our first attempt seemed to be a good omen. As we stepped off the plane the mountains surrounding us were stunning. But nothing compared to what awaited us. We spent two days in Skardufor preparation and documentation with local authorities. What struck my foreign clients the most was how friendly everyone was. This country which all too often is poorly portrayed in Western media as unfriendly and teeming with Western hating terrorists is the exact opposite. Everyone was friendly, welcoming and proud. Certainly, the Baltistanregion proved to be so over and over. We walked freely around Skardu at all hours and never felt ill at ease. I am not aware of an unkind word or gesture toward anyone. On June 8 the trip began in earnest with a 7-8 hour ‘jeep’ ride to the small village of Askole. Although only about 150 km the Toyota Land cruisers were rarely above second gear and never into fourth. Parts of the route are ever changing as the creeks which can explode in size in a matter of a few hours bring down debris, especially rocks and boulders that have to be navigated around. Roads and bridges can suddenly disappear or be totally stranded. The route initially follows the Indus river before crossing some low foothills that separate the Shigar Valley and Braldu River from the Indus until they join several kilometers downstream. The route after the village of Shigar...