Why in the news?

• Ice cores from the Pamir Mountains are being studied to understand why its glaciers have resisted melting despite global warming.

Pamir-Karakoram Anomaly

• What is it?: The Pamir–Karakoram Anomaly refers to the near-stable or positive mass balance of glaciers in the Karakoram and parts of the Pamir Mountains.
• Causes of the Anomaly
  • Climatic Factors
    • Dominance of Western Disturbances
    • Winter snowfall > summer ablation
  • Atmospheric Circulation
    • Greater influence of mid-latitude westerlies
    • Weaker penetration of the South-West Monsoon
  • Topographic Factors
    • Steep slopes and narrow valleys
    • Extensive debris-covered glaciers are reducing melt
  • Glaciological Dynamics
    • High proportion of surge-type glaciers
    • Ice flow dynamics are partly independent of climate

Pamir Mountains

• Geology: Formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it a seismically active zone.
• Location: 
  • The Pamir Mountains are located in Central Asia, spanning across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China (Xinjiang), Kyrgyzstan.
  • The Pamir Mountains, also known as the “Roof of the World,” form a massive convergence zone (Pamir Knot) with the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Kunlun, and Tian Shan ranges. 
• Major Peaks & Features: Ismoil Somoni Peak (Tajikistan), Kongur Tagh (China), Muztagh Ata (China) etc.

Source: The Hindu