Temporal Variations in Land Cover Area in High Altitude Glacierised Area in Central Himalaya during Last Three Decades

Abstract

Temporal variations in land cover area are studied in high altitude Bhagirathi valley in higher Himalaya. The various land cover area is classified using 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2006 LANDSAT and IRS series images by semi automated techniques. Change in various land cover area between 1980 -2006 suggests that open rock (thick debris cover over glaciers and open rocky surface) and vegetation area has increased, and snow/ice area has decreased during this period. The relationships were evaluated between climatological, physiographic and geomorphic characteristics and change in land cover areas since 1980 and 2006. Decrease in thin debris cover ice show direct relationship with percentage of glaciations in various sub-basins. However, decrease in snow covered area does not show relationship between percentages of glaciations, but showing good polynomial relationship between debris factor. Over the period, the vegetation cover has been increased due to amelioration of atmospheric temperature and change in vegetation show direct relationship with decrease in snow covered areas and increase in open rock area.