Press Release
Press Release from Science and Technology Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Muguthang, 1st December 2024 –
On Day 5 of the ongoing expedition, the team departed from Thangu Army Camp early morning, crossing the Lugnakla Pass (17,000 ft) to reach the Muguthang ITBP Camp. From there, they proceeded to Dolma Sampa in Lhonak Valley to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed retention structure aimed at mitigating future glacial flood risks.
What brings the expedition to Dolma Sampa is the unique geometry of this valley.The Goma Chu River flows through the Lhonak Valley, which features a distinctive topography. Downstream of South Lhonak Lake, the valley narrows and takes an S-shaped turn at Goma, acting as a natural speed breaker for potential glacial floods. Beyond this point, the valley broadens into a gently sloping expanse known as Dolma Sampa—a 1 km wide and 3 km long flat area. The study aims to determine whether Dolma Sampa is a suitable site for a retention structure, as the upper valley serves as a natural buffer for debris and floodwater. Initial observations of debris deposition patterns from the glacial flood on 3rd October 2023 indicate that larger materials such as boulders are deposited in the upper reaches of Dolma Sampa, supporting its potential as a viable retention site.
With support from the ITBP, the team initiated detailed investigations at Dolma Sampa, including subsurface geophysical studies, debris deposition analysis, and 2023 glacial flood-level measurements. Despite freezing conditions—temperatures plummeted to 0°C by afternoon and further dropped to -10°C at night—strong winds and challenging terrain, the team successfully completed their fieldwork for the day.
The ongoing studies are expected to refine glacial flood modeling, provide critical insights into subsurface geology, and inform the design of effective retention structures to safeguard downstream communities from potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
On Day 5 of the ongoing expedition, the team departed from Thangu Army Camp early morning, crossing the Lugnakla Pass (17,000 ft) to reach the Muguthang ITBP Camp. From there, they proceeded to Dolma Sampa in Lhonak Valley to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed retention structure aimed at mitigating future glacial flood risks.
What brings the expedition to Dolma Sampa is the unique geometry of this valley.The Goma Chu River flows through the Lhonak Valley, which features a distinctive topography. Downstream of South Lhonak Lake, the valley narrows and takes an S-shaped turn at Goma, acting as a natural speed breaker for potential glacial floods. Beyond this point, the valley broadens into a gently sloping expanse known as Dolma Sampa—a 1 km wide and 3 km long flat area. The study aims to determine whether Dolma Sampa is a suitable site for a retention structure, as the upper valley serves as a natural buffer for debris and floodwater. Initial observations of debris deposition patterns from the glacial flood on 3rd October 2023 indicate that larger materials such as boulders are deposited in the upper reaches of Dolma Sampa, supporting its potential as a viable retention site.
With support from the ITBP, the team initiated detailed investigations at Dolma Sampa, including subsurface geophysical studies, debris deposition analysis, and 2023 glacial flood-level measurements. Despite freezing conditions—temperatures plummeted to 0°C by afternoon and further dropped to -10°C at night—strong winds and challenging terrain, the team successfully completed their fieldwork for the day.
The ongoing studies are expected to refine glacial flood modeling, provide critical insights into subsurface geology, and inform the design of effective retention structures to safeguard downstream communities from potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
