Pamir-Karakoram Mountains

Why in news?

Scientists are studying ice cores from the Pamir Mountains to understand the Pamir–Karakoram anomaly—a rare phenomenon. These ice cores may hold clues to protecting glaciers globally.

• Location – It spans the Karakoram range (Pakistan, India, China) and the Pamir mountains (Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China).
• The Pamir Mountains are known as 'The Roof of the World' & Karakoram is often called the "Backbone of High Asia".
• Pamir–Karakoram Anomaly – A rare climatic phenomenon where glaciers in the Pamir and Karakoram mountains resisted melting and even slightly grew, unlike the global trend of retreat.
• The Pamir–Karakoram region is the only mountainous area on Earth where this phenomenon exists.

Location of Expedition – Ice cores were drilled from the Kon-Chukurbashi ice cap in the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, at an altitude of 5,810 m.

• Duration – It is observed from the late 20^th century until around 2018, when signs of decline began.
• Causes – Linked to unique regional climate patterns, including increased winter precipitation, cooler summers, and circulation anomalies that favoured glacier stability.
• UNESCO's List - The Karakorum-Pamir region is part of UNESCO’s Tentative List submitted by China.
• Habitats – High-altitude desert and steppe ecosystems.

Other Features

• Pamir Knot – It serves as a junction for 5 major mountain systems -
  • Himalayas - Extend to the southeast.
  • Karakoram - Radiate southeastward, between the Himalayas and the Kunlun.
  • Hindu Kush - Extends to the west and southwest.
  • Tian Shan - Radiates to the north and northeast.
  • Kunlun - Extend to the east.
• Highest Peaks – Includes K2 (8,611 m), Ismoil Somoni Peak (7,495m), Kongur Tagh (7,719 m), Mt. Muztag Ata (7,546 m), and Jiubie Mountains (7,530 m).
• Unique Landforms – Mud volcanoes in Muji Valley, alpine lakes (Kalakule, White Sandy).
• Glaciers – Fedchenko Glacier, which is in the Pamir mountain (the longest outside polar regions) & Siachen and Baltoro glaciers in the Karakoram.
• Other glaciers include the Karakorums, Pamirs, Yinsugaiti (the longest in China), etc.

References

1. The Hindu | Scientific expedition on the ice cores
2. UNESCO | Karakorum-Pamir