Application of remote sensing techniques in snow and ice hydrology

The contribution of snow and ice melt towards the water discharges of most of the Himalayan rivers is highly significant. It is, therefore, necessary to monitor the snow accumulation and depletion, and study the melting processes to help in efficient management of water resources. It is also important to compile a glacier inventory for the purpose. The snow bound areas in the Himalaya lie at high altitudes where the terrain is rugged and inaccessible. This renders the conventional methods of study not only difficult but hazardous as well. Remote sensing techniques, therefore, have a vital role to play in these studies for quick results with much less cost. Visual interpretation of Landsat imagery in Beas river basin and use of aerial photographs for glacier inventory in Baspa river basin have been cited as case studies. To perfect the methodology used in various remote sensing techniques, a pilot project approach has been suggested.