South Kashmir Heat Spike Not Tectonic Activity: Expert

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Dr. Shakil Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and an expert in Glaciology, Hydrology, and Climate Change says an intense warm-air advection phenomenon in South Kashmir that led to a sharp temperature rise and significant snowmelt on January 4.

Dispelling rumors circulating on social media, Dr. Romshoo clarified that the phenomenon is unrelated to volcanic, tectonic, or hot spring activity.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Romshoo elaborated,“Intense warm-air advection over parts of South Kashmir caused a rapid increase in temperature and significant snowmelt on the afternoon of January 4th. Contrary to speculations and rumours on social media, this phenomenon is unrelated to volcanic, tectonic, or hot spring activity in the region. The air-mass transformation led to a strong surface-based temperature inversion, which often contributes to dense fog.

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Combined with warm-air advection, usually associated with western disturbances, easterlies and other air masses, these atmospheric processes increased heat flux from the atmosphere, raising surface temperatures by an average of 10°C in a single day in some parts of South Kashmir,” Dr. Romshoo wrote.

He added,“Data from our South Kashmir observatories indicate that the warm-air advection began on January 2nd and peaked today. Please see the temperature profiles of Daksum, Matigawran, and Hirpora in South Kashmir which reflect warm-air advection. However, IUST (Awantipora) and many other stations in South Kashmir don't show any warm-air advection.

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This process, where atmospheric motion transports warm air from a high-temperature region to a colder one (associated with westerlies, easterlies, and other air-mass transport), leads to a steady rise in temperatures as the warmer air displaces the colder air. The role of cloud cover, longwave radiation, and turbulent heat flux further contributed to the localized warming observed in the region.

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