The researchers found that high-altitude locations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Bhaderwah had warmed by nearly 1°C over the last 20 years. (File photo)High-altitude regions of Jammu and Kashmir have warmed by nearly 1 °C over the past two decades, with temperatures rising faster at higher elevations than in plains, according to a study by researchers at IIT Kharagpur.The study, based on 44 years of climate data from 1980 to 2024, found a clear pattern of elevation-dependent warming across the state. Researchers said the trend could accelerate snow and glacier melt, with implications for the region’s water supply, ecosystems and agriculture.The study titled ‘Warming of the high-mountainous climate sensitive Jammu and Kashmir during the period 1980–2024’ was conducted by Prof. Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath, GS Gopikrishnan, and VM Pranav Chandran of the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL) at IIT Kharagpur.The researchers found that high-altitude locations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Bhaderwah had warmed by nearly 1°C over the last 20 years, while Jammu, at a lower elevation, recorded relatively little change. The warming was particularly pronounced at night. Mid-elevation locations recorded annual mean temperature increases of up to 0.3°C per decade, with minimum temperatures during the pre-monsoon season rising by as much as 0.6°C per decade.Must Read | NIA searches 10 locations across Kashmir in cross-border terror conspiracy caseProf Kuttippurath said the study did not make projections for 2040 but the observed trends already showed warming of about 0.8°C to 1°C across several high-altitude areas over the past two decades.One factor contributing to the trend is the loss of snow and ice cover. Snow and glaciers reflect a large part of incoming solar radiation. As they melt, darker rock, soil and bare ground are exposed, absorbing more heat.“Usually, the sunlight will be reflected back, and then warming will be less in these white surfaces, on the glaciers or snow. But if the rocks or dirt or sand, the soil exposes after the snow melts or the glacier melt happens, then that region, you will have more warming,” Kuttippurath said.Story continues below this adThe researchers also point to changes in moisture in the high-altitude atmosphere. As the exposed surface absorbs more heat, evaporation increases. Water vapour, a greenhouse gas, makes up the largest share of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, creating a feedback that may further intensify warming.The study found that the impact is also linked to the amount of solar radiation reaching the mountain surface. Unlike the Indo-Gangetic plains, where aerosols can scatter or block part of the incoming sunlight, Kashmir’s relatively cleaner atmosphere allows more solar radiation to reach the ground.The warming trend has implications beyond Jammu and Kashmir with the shifting thermal dynamics that pose immediate risks to regional hydrology, ecosystems, and agriculture. Faster melting of snow and glaciers could initially increase water flows and the risk of flooding in rivers such as the Jhelum and Chenab. Over the longer term, however, shrinking snow and ice reserves could reduce the availability of meltwater.“Slowly this snow will be melting, and then ice will be also melting faster, and at some point, there will be nothing to melt, if we do nothing to prevent this,” Prof Kuttippurath said.Story continues below this adThe researchers said the consequences could extend to agriculture and downstream populations that depend on Himalayan water resources. Kuttippurath said the eventual impact could be felt by populations running into billions across the region.The study also highlighted the need to protect climate-sensitive mountain landscapes from pressures such as unregulated industrial activity and excessive human activity, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through international frameworks like the Paris Agreement. The researchers stressed that the observed warming is not merely a change in temperature but a shift that could affect the region’s snow cover, water cycle and ecosystems in the years ahead.Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on InstagramTags:IIT KharagpurJammu and Kashmir