CPOM@EGU26 Blog – How will glacier retreat in the Himalayas impact vital water resources for the communities that depend on them
4th May 2026
CPOM PhD Researcher Ben Graves (KCL) will present this science as part of Session HS2.1.4 on Tuesday, 05 May, 11:55–12:05 (CEST) in Room 3.29/30.
Meltwater from glaciers is an important source of water for downstream communities, so monitoring and projecting the impacts of glacier retreat on these water sources is important when planning for future changes.
But in regions where there are monsoons this can be particularly challenging, as heavy rainfall can obfuscate contributions from glaciers.
This study, led by Ben, used measurements of the isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen found in water samples to estimate the origin of water flowing in the Dudh Koshi river, Nepal.
Isotopes are different versions of the same chemical element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in their nucleus. This means they have the same chemical behaviour but slightly different masses.
The research integrated new and previous observations from river and snow samples showing different isotopes, in glacio-hydrological modelling, to trace the water sources.
Preliminary results from samples taken post-monsoon revealed the highest contribution of meltwater ever seen in this region.
Find out more by reading the abstract and attending their presentation online or in-person at EGU26.
