Deciphering snow-cover dynamics: terrain analysis in the mountainous river basin, Western Himalayas

Terrain variables are primary elements influencing the geographical distribution of snow cover. This paper aimed to relate the terrain attributes (slope, elevation, and aspect zones) with snow-cover spatial distribution in parts of the Beas basin in the western Himalayas. The present study used the MODIS satellite data for the snow-cover dynamics study from 2000 to 2022. The results showed that the mean annual snow-covered area (SCA) was a maximum (36.08%) in February 2019 and minimum (2.03%) in August 2016. The lower elevation zone (LEZ) (380–3000 m), middle elevation zone (MEZ) (3000–5000 m), and upper elevation zone (UEZ) (5000–6585 m) experienced maximum SCA%, i.e., 24.52%, 98.34%, and 98.43%, respectively, for February 2019. Among the 16 aspect zones, the SCA was found maximum in the south and north facings. For eight different slope classes, the SCA was found maximum for slope class 30–40° in LEZ and MEZ, while in 10–20° for UEZ. Further trend analysis, SCA variation with precipitation and temperature, and hypsometric curve analysis have also been carried out for the study area. The study outcomes have socioeconomic and environmental implications for water resource management practices.