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A geospatial analysis of long-term trends in snow depth in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region: 1999–2019

  • Short Communication - Atmospheric & Space Sciences
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Abstract

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region is a major source of natural resources, like fresh water, for communities throughout south Asia. Monitoring the spatial patterns of climate variables throughout the region can help better understand and predict the future of this critical resource. In situ daily snow depth measurements from 1999 to 2019 were utilized to detect spatial patterns of the long-term trends in snow depths across the HKH region. The geospatial analysis included the use of emerging hot spots analysis. The results of our analysis revealed three broad regional clusters of long-term trends, including western, central, and eastern regions. Both eastern and western regions displayed declining snow depths, whereas the central region experienced areas of increasing snow depths. We also examined the localized long-term trends of snow depth around mega cities in the region, to delineate the role of urbanization on snow cover. The local level trends around the mega cities showed variable trends, determined by elevation and local pollution levels.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geomatics, University of Florida, Davie, FL, USA

    Zella Conyers

  2. Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA

    Shouraseni Sen Roy

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  1. Zella Conyers
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  2. Shouraseni Sen Roy
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Correspondence to Shouraseni Sen Roy.

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Edited by Prof. Ewa Bednorz (ASSOCIATE EDITOR) / Prof. Theodore Karacostas (CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF).

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Conyers, Z., Roy, S.S. A geospatial analysis of long-term trends in snow depth in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region: 1999–2019. Acta Geophys. 71, 2535–2544 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-023-01115-3

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