Hydrologic Impact assessment of glaciated BEAS river basin using High Resolution Climate Simulations from CORDEX Regional Climate Models

Under the changing environment, significant climate variability analysis and the hydrologic response of the Beas with changing climate is principle consideration for managing sustainable water resource. In this study, the possible future climate induced effect on the water and energy balance of the Beas river basin was evaluated using VIC-glacier model. In Beas river basin the increment of annual rainfall during the period 2006-2040 and 2041-2070 is 9-12% with respect to 1970-2005. There is a 64% reduction of deciduous broadleaf forest and a 65% increase of grassland by 2030. The hydrology model projects a general increase of rainfall-induced runoff, glaciermelt and the reduction in snowmelt as compared to historical climate data (1970-2005). This can be due to the warming climate and increased precipitation in future. The total runoff for this basin increases moderately by 6-17.0% during the period 2006-2040 and 2041-2070. The rainfall-induced runoff has a major contribution to the discharge where the runoff input from snowmelt and glaciermelt is moderate.