Geospatial, geophysical & geotechnical investigation of glacial depositions in Sikkim Himalayas
摘要
The glaciers in the Himalayan Cryosphere are predominantly covered with debris. Especially in the eastern Himalayan region, where slope failures are a serious concern and demand engineering insight. This study aims towards a comprehensive investigation of glacial deposits (moraine and lacustrine depositions) in the Sikkim Himalayas using an integrative geospatial-geophysical-geotechnical approach. The analysis includes assessing debris coverage, broadband albedo, land surface temperature (LST), and temporal variations in supraglacial inundation using satellite remote sensing techniques. The study indicates an increasing trend in supraglacial inundation since October 2014, suggesting the formation or expansion of supraglacial lakes/pools and an associated increase in the melt regime. Geophysical investigations using multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) have provided insights into stratigraphy and subsurface properties. Geotechnical investigations of glacial deposits collected from the Changme and Rathong glacial snouts have helped to understand their engineering and index properties. This is crucial for assessing the stability of slopes and natural embankments of glacial lakes. Analyzing the samples using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) has provided insights into their microstructural morphology and mineral composition, respectively. Stability assessments using the limit equilibrium method (LEM) indicate that the moraine slopes have a high susceptibility to failure, with the factor of safety (FoS) ranging between 0.59 and 0.96 at different sections and profiles. Also, the presence of glacial calving zones exacerbates the risk of slope failure. Such detailed investigation is essential for understanding glaciology comprehensively and planning glacial hazard mitigation strategies in the Himalayas.