This site uses cookies, as explained in our terms of use. If you consent, please close this message and continue to use this site.
2 mins Read
To catch the highest discharge of Langtang Khola and Lirung outlet, a team of glacio-hydrologists from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Kathmandu University conducted a field expedition to Langtang valley from 29 August to 6 September, 2016. The expedition was part of regular data collection field activities conducted by the Cryosphere Initiative.
Obtaining accurate discharge measurements from mountain streams is difficult since they are highly turbulent and their beds are irregular. The team recently acquired sensors to perform salt dilution based measurements of discharge, a reliable method for such studies in this context.
ICIMOD installed automatic hydrological stations which provide water level measurements every ten minutes on Langtang Khola and at Lirung Glacier outlet near Kyanjing Gompa. To compensate for the lack of resources to carry out regular discharge measurements and convert water levels into useful discharge data, experts at ICIMOD measure the most representative high, average and low flows during monsoon, fall, spring and winter. The collected discharge data are used to construct a clear relationship between the measured water levels and the actual discharge. The automatically recorded water levels can then be converted to discharge data which help researchers understand the amount of the river flow contributed from different sources such as glacier melt, snow melt and rain fall.
Discharge data are used to calibrate glacio-hydrological model to better explain hydrological processes in the region. Models represent the flow in the river. Results from these studies can be used by the government to develop policies on water resource management and hydro power planning. Researchers also use such data for climate change impact research.
Discharge data during the monsoon period is important for the highest flow of the river. Monsoon and high melt rates of glaciers add to the additional flow, bringing the water level (stage) higher in rivers. Monsoon therefore is a crucial period of the year to study as the river discharge is at its highest. With more observed data on discharge and stage height, researchers can better explain the relationship between discharge and water level using rating curves.
Share
Stay up to date on what’s happening around the HKH with our most recent publications and find out how you can help by subscribing to our mailing list.
Related content
The ‘Rural Livelihoods and Climate Change Adaptation in the Himalayas (Himalica) Initiative’ facilitated a three-day micro-planning workshop in Kyaung Taung ...
Deteriorating air quality in Nepal and its adverse effects on health and daily activities of the public ...
The report is based on findings of a joint field assessment carried out by experts from the International Centre for ...
The workshop ‘Participatory 3 Dimensional Model (P3DM) building’ was held 12-18 June 2016 at Dhungetar, Charghare VDC, Nuwakot in Nepal. ...
ICIMOD, AKAH, and GB-DMA signed a tripartite agreement at a partnership-signing ceremony in Islamabad on 27 February 2018. The team ...
Introduction The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United ...
A five-day course in September 2017 was designed to enhance the capacity of participants to install and use community-based flood ...