What is Black Carbon and Why It Matters
Black carbon is an ultra-fine particle released by burning wood, fossil fuels, vehicle exhaust, and biomass.
Unlike other aerosols that reflect sunlight, black carbon absorbs it and warms the surface where it settles.
This makes black carbon a short-lived but powerful contributor to global warming.
When it settles on snow, it reduces its ability to reflect sunlight (lowers albedo), causing the snow to warm and melt faster.
Rising Temperatures in the Himalayas
A study by Climate Trends found that snow surface temperatures in the Himalayas have increased over the past two decades.
Average snow temperature rose from -11.27°C (2000–2009) to -7.13°C (2020–2023).
Eastern Himalayas are the warmest, followed by Central and Western regions.
The study suggests black carbon deposits are partly responsible for this warming trend.
Impact on Glaciers and Water Resources
Warmer snow temperatures lead to faster glacier melting and a shorter snow season.
This threatens water security for nearly two billion people living downstream of glacier-fed rivers.
Melting glaciers can also trigger unseasonal floods, posing serious risks to ecosystems and communities.
Snow Depth Trends
Snow depth has actually increased during the study period, from 0.059 m (2000–2009) to 0.117 m (2020–2023).
This may be due to more snowfall, seasonal precipitation shifts, or wind-driven redistribution of snow.
Western Himalayas showed the greatest snow depths, likely due to high elevation and winter weather patterns.
Eastern and Central Himalayas had lower snow depths, possibly due to being closer to black carbon sources.
Sources of Black Carbon in the Region
Major sources include burning of biofuels, fossil fuels, and open fires.
The Indo-Gangetic plain is a key hotspot for black carbon emissions.
States like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra contribute significantly through agricultural and forest fires.
Biofuel use alone accounts for around 42% of India’s black carbon emissions.
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