Glacial and Periglacial Morphology of the Jorya and Adjoining Glaciers, Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The glacial and periglacial region of the Jorya, Janapa, Naradu and Tumur glaciers shows Alpine sculptures like horn, cirques, 'U' troughs, serrated ridges, hanging glaciers, moraines, crevasses and glacial tables. 1 to 3km recession and 150m to 120m vertical shrinkage are noticed in these glaciers. Floor of cirques lies between 4800 and 4900m height a.s.1. suggesting active orographic firn line at a height of 5000m a.s.1. at the time of formation of the cirques. Evolution of the landforms took place in three stages: i) advent of the glacial climate, ii) advancement of the glaciers and iii) active deglaciation period.