HighMountainAsia

The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) DAAC High Mountain Asia (HMA) collection focuses on snow and ice data within a critical region spanning five mountain ranges, including the Himalaya and Hindu Kush. This vast area is geographically significant, funneling fresh water into major river basins that collectively support approximately 1.5 billion people. The collection's primary objective is to monitor dynamic changes in snow and ice, which directly impact glacial advances and retreats, influence regional water availability, and contribute to potential natural hazards such as glacial-lake outburst floods and landslides. Understanding these changes is crucial for environmental management and disaster preparedness in the region.

To achieve its monitoring goals, the High Mountain Asia Team (HiMAT) employs a sophisticated approach that integrates both historical data and advanced remote sensing techniques. These methodologies include the use of optical imagery to accurately map the extent of glaciers and seasonal snow cover, photogrammetry for constructing detailed topographical maps from disparate satellite images, precise laser measurements to determine Earth’s surface height, and satellite gravimetry to track subtle changes in Earth’s mass resulting from variations in the water cycle. This comprehensive data integration supports two distinct project phases: HMA-1 (2016-2020) and the ongoing HMA-2 (2020-2023).

The data and specialized tools developed by the High Mountain Asia team are consolidated into the Glacier and Snow Melt Toolbox (GMELT). GMELT provides a diverse array of remote sensing products, including high-resolution digital elevation models and detailed snow cover maps. Additionally, it incorporates sophisticated precipitation, dust, and water models. These robust resources are designed to facilitate the assessment and projection of significant changes in water, ice, snow, and related environmental phenomena and hazards throughout the High Mountain Asia region, offering valuable insights for researchers and policymakers alike.