Although many villages have been constructing Artificial Ice Reservoirs, there doesnt exist any reliable estimate of the water discharged by AIRs to date. Also the construction decisions used are based on qualitative rather than quantitative judgements. Thus, development of a predictive model that can provide quantitative meltwater estimates is crucial if this technology is to become a viable water resource management strategy.

It is the aim of this research project to do so by documenting the formation and melting process of AIRs in Ladakh through field measurements and physical modelling approaches. This will further help quantify and guide construction decisions around location, water discharge and fountain design. Also the model produced forms the basis for predicting meltwater discharge from AIRs in other mountain regions.

1. To quantify the total meltwater discharged.
2. To estimate the survival duration of the ice structures.