Quantifying Ice Thickness and Volume of Glaciers in the Chandra-Bhaga Basin, Western Himalaya: Insights from GlabTop2 Model and GPR Dataset

Abstract

Determining ice thickness is essential for assessing the freshwater reserves stored in the form of ice. In the present study, we conducted assessments to quantify the ice thickness of glaciers within the Chandra-Bhaga Basin, western Himalaya, India utilizing the GlabTop2 model. To evaluate the accuracy of the model, we utilized in-situ Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data obtained from the Patsio, Hamtah, and Chhota Shigri glaciers within the basin. For each glacier, we generated corresponding Digital Elevation Models using ASTER L1A V003 stereopairs datasets, aligning them with the year of the GPR survey conducted on the respective glaciers. Our analysis uncovered a bias ranging from − 39 to 35 m in the ice thickness evaluations generated by the GlabTop2 model. Ice thickness varied from 0 to 576 m, with a total ice reserve estimated at 112.5 ± 35 km3. These results provide valuable insights into the distribution and extent of ice reserves within the region, highlighting the applicability of the GlabTop2 model at the basin scale. This contributes to a comprehensive understanding of freshwater resources and their potential impacts on the local environment. © Indian Society of Remote Sensing 2025.