The study “Evaluation of Moraine Sediment Dam Stability Under Permafrost Thawing in Glacial Environments: A Case Study of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim Himalayas” focuses on the stability of moraine dams under changing permafrost conditions in high-altitude Himalayan glacial environments.
The research evaluates the potential effects of permafrost thawing on the stability and seepage behaviour of the moraine dam at Gurudongmar Lake in the Sikkim Himalayas. The study combines geotechnical, seepage, and slope stability analyses to provide a realistic assessment of the changing conditions affecting the moraine dam.
Study Focus
The study particularly examines the relationship between permafrost degradation, shear strength, seepage, and slope stability. As permafrost thaws, changes in the physical and geotechnical characteristics of moraine materials can influence the stability of the dam structure.
The assessment therefore considers the potential consequences of permafrost thawing on moraine dam performance and the associated risks in glacial environments.
Key Research Findings
The study highlights several important findings related to moraine dam stability:
- Evaluated moraine dam stability under permafrost thaw at Gurudongmar Lake, Himalayas.
- Coupled geotechnical, seepage, and slope stability analyses for realistic assessment.
- Permafrost degradation significantly reduces shear strength and increases seepage.
- Thaw-induced changes markedly lower the factor of safety of moraine dam slopes.
These findings demonstrate the importance of considering changing permafrost conditions when evaluating the stability of moraine dams in high-altitude glacial regions.
Implications for Himalayan Glacial Lakes
Permafrost conditions are an important consideration in the assessment of high-altitude glacial environments. Changes associated with permafrost thawing can affect both the mechanical behaviour of moraine materials and seepage conditions within the dam.
The results of this study highlight rising GLOF risk in high-altitude Himalayan glacial lakes, emphasizing the importance of continued geotechnical assessment and monitoring of vulnerable moraine dam systems.
Conclusion
The evaluation of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim Himalayas, provides an assessment of how permafrost thawing can influence moraine sediment dam stability. By coupling geotechnical, seepage, and slope stability analyses, the study provides a framework for understanding the potential changes associated with permafrost degradation.
The results highlight the relationship between permafrost thaw, reduced shear strength, increased seepage, and lower factor of safety, with implications for GLOF risk in high-altitude Himalayan glacial lakes.
Publication Details
Title: Evaluation of Moraine Sediment Dam Stability Under Permafrost Thawing in Glacial Environments: A Case Study of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim Himalayas
Journal: Applied Sciences Switzerland
Year: 2025
Volume/Issue: 15(11)
Article: 5892