Research from Kashmir University shows the Hoksar Glacier is melting faster at higher altitudes, contradicting traditional elevation models. This unusual pattern is driven by thin debris layers that absorb solar radiation and high concentrations of black carbon, which lower the ice's albedo and speed up mass loss. The study warns that rising equilibrium line altitudes and declining snowfall threaten regional water security. As these glaciers diminish, the long term availability of water for agriculture and hydropower across South Asia faces significant risks.
