The amount of scour in the downstream portion of the channel is remarkably impressive:
It would appear that development of the the channel continues to be impeded by a small number of critical boulders, one of which may well be below the water level, protecting the stream bed against downcutting. The Pamir Times images of the site, available in this gallery, are quite instructive. This composite image in particular is interesting, clearly showing how the boulders are controlling the discharge:
Meanwhile, landslides continue to occur with a high frequency in the Attabad area (Focus image):
I have also heard that water is now springing out in Ishkoman valley...another complexity?
ReplyDeleteI see three low gradient areas in the channel that suggest streambed slabs: 1. The upper channel where the water is still blue and forming V's. This type of flow is more usually seen over a bedrock slab. It ends in a ledge parallel to the left bank beginning at the enormous tilted slab on the right bank. Likely there are fractures in this and other slabs. 2. Below the tilted slab on the right bank where we see boils or eddy domes 3. A smaller slab below the boulder that was once a spur higher up.
ReplyDeleteHow these slabs remained reasonably intact on their way down is an interesting question plus how they managed to end up so close to horizontal.
George
I feel as a laymen that quicker they empty the lake better it is. The saddle seems an issue and needs to be deepened one way or another
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