Rockglacier inventory, permafrost probability distribution modeling and associated hazards in the Hunza River Basin, Western Karakoram, Pakistan

Abstract

Thedestabilization of rock glaciers and permafrost variations is of great importance to the safety of the population and infrastructure in the Karakoram region because of their effects on land stability and river obstructions. In this study, we compiled the first complete rock glacier inventory for the Hunza Basin, western Karakoram, of 616 rock glaciers with an areaof 194 km2between2800and5700ma.s.l.Wecategorizedtherockglaciersasintactorrelict, andtheir distributions and destabilization were further analyzed and used along with in situ climate and elevation dataset to model the permafrost probability distribution. The modeled areas where the permafrost zonation index (PZI)is0.5–1.00 indicate that permafrost occurs over85% of the catchmentareaandlies above3525 m a.s.l., which closely matches the zero-degree isotherm of 3800 m a.s.l. Based on the sensitivity analysis of the independent var iables, elevationisthemostsensitivevariable,followedbynetradiation,forpredictingtheprobabilitiesofthepres ence and absence of permafrost. The model distributions are quite precise, with median posterior areas under the curve of0.98and0.96formodeltrainingandtesting, respectively. Weanalyzedtherockglacier destabilization for 68 rock glaciers that interacted with river channels, of which 50 blocked or diverted river channels. Destabilized rock glaciers can be closely linked to the 0 °C isotherm between 3400 and 4600 m a.s.l. The significant damage caused by periodic floods from the subsequent blockage of river channels by landslides can be attributed to vari ations in permafrost. Which demolished infrastructure, including a hydropower plant, suspension bridge and water supply system in Hassan-abad catchment. Quantification of rock glacier dynamics and permafrost in the re gion can further improve policies related to the reduction in disaster risk and mitigation of associated hazards. ©2021ElsevierB.V.Allrightsreserved

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