Characteristics of Massive Glacier-Related Watershed Geohazard Chains in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis, China

Abstract

Frequent glacier-related watershed geohazard chains are causing severe damage to life and infrastructure, reported consistently from the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis. This paper presents a systematic method for researching geohazard, from regional to individual scale. The methodology includes the establishment of geological chain inventories, discrimination of geohazard chain modes, analyses of dynamics and dam breaches, and risk assessments. The following results were obtained: (1) In the downstream of Yarlung Zangbo River, 175 sites were identified as high-risk for river blockage disasters, indicating the development of watershed geohazards. Five geohazard chain modes were summarized by incorporating geomorphological characteristics, historical events, landslide zoning, and materials. The risk areas of typical hazard were identified and assessed using InSAR data. (2) Glacier-related watershed geohazard chains are significantly different from traditional landslides. A detailed inversion analysis was conducted on the massive rock-ice avalanche in the Sedongpu gully in 2021. This particular event lasted roughly 300 seconds, with a maximum flow velocity of 77.2 m/s and a maximum flow height of 93 meters. By scrutinizing the dynamic processes and mechanical characteristics, mobility stages and phase transitions can be divided into four stages. (3) Watershed geohazard chains tend to block rivers. The peak breach discharge of the Yigong Landslide reached 12.4 × 10⁴ m³/s, which is 36 times the volume of the seasonal flood discharge in the Yigong River. Megafloods caused by landslide dam breaches have significantly shaped the geomorphology. This study offers insights into disaster patterns and the multi-staged movement characteristics of glacier-related watershed geohazard chains, providing a comprehensive method for investigations and assessments in glacial regions.

Keywords

glacier-related watershed geohazard chains / geohazard chain modes / secondary hazards / InSAR / Eastern Himalayan Syntax / disasters / glaciers

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