Maintaining roads in remote mountainous areas is no easy task, especially in the face of active geological processes. Here wind blown sand is covering a road, making it impassable. (c) Geology for Global Development 2013
Himalaya Conference
Friday Photo (99) – Fitting Life Around Geology
Geology exerts a strong control on landscape, agriculture and infrastructure in Ladakh, India. Here the road (left hand side) is cut into softer glacial moraines, rather than the igneous and metamorphic bedrock. Agriculture is centered on alluvial material from a river predominantly fed by glacial meltwater. (c) Geology for Global Development 2013
Friday Photo (98) – Hydroelectric Energy in Ladakh
Hydroelectric power plants are being developed across the Himalayas. Here, a small-scale system is used to store energy during times of peak supply from other sources, and deliver energy during times of peak demand. This system relies on the shuttling of river water (seen in the background) between different elevations. (c) Geology for Global …[Read More]
Friday Photo (97): Solar Power in Ladakh
Energy resources are a key issue in the mountainous Ladakh Region of India – all oil has to be imported by lorry over windy mountain passes that are often blocked by landslides. Any methods by which Ladakh can produce its own energy are very welcome. Solar panels can provide a significant amount of energy during …[Read More]
The Long Life of Ruzi Mohammed
Ruzi Mohammed thinks that he is around 110 years old. He keeps track of the years using the changing seasons, and there is no missing them in Turtuk, where winters reach -20˚C, and summers are warm and pleasant. Too high for mosquitos, and low enough for a good harvest, Turtuk is a paradise in the …[Read More]
Friday Photo (96): Landslides on the Jammu-Srinigar Highway
Professors from Jammu University assess a landslide on the edge of the Jammu-Srinigar Highway. This essential supply route links the mountainous Himalayan Region up with the rest of Jammu & Kashmir State. Landslides are a common problem along this busy road, used by lorries, business and the military, as well as forming part of an …[Read More]
Sustainable Resource Development in the Himalayas Conference: Reconnaissance Work
Every geologist has heard the story of the birth of the Himalayas; India crashes into Asia and they crumple up, sending the seafloor into the sky, melting the crust and forming the highest mountains on earth. The mountains are still rising, and for that reason the region is prone to earthquakes, landslides and flash floods. …[Read More]
Friday Photo (95) – Environmental Campaign in Jammu, India
“Keep Jammu Clean and Green” Signs like this are visible around Jammu & Kashmir State as part of a widespread environmental awareness campaign. Other slogans include ‘somebody is sitting in the shade today, because somebody planted a tree a long time ago’ and ‘My Earth, my duty’. (c) Geology for Global Development 2013
Sustainable Development in the Himalayas – GfGD’s Role in a Major Upcoming Conference
In June 2014 a conference will take place in Leh (Ladahk Region, India) with a focus on sustainable resource development in the Himalayas. The conference is being organised by the Geological Society of London, in collaboration with the Institute of Energy Research and Training at the University of Jammu, India and many other stakeholders. It …[Read More]