Abstract
Abstract
The Siachen Glacier system, one of the largest glacier complexes in the Karakoram, exhibits complex responses to climatic forcing. This study evaluates multi-decadal footprint stability and hydro-thermal anomalies for the period 2018–2025 using a combined cross-sensor approach integrating Sentinel-1 SAR, Sentinel-2 optical imagery, MODIS land surface temperature, and ERA5-Land reanalysis. Results indicate relative stability of the glacier footprint consistent with the broader Karakoram Anomaly, while discrete hydro-thermal forcing events are identified through anomalous surface temperature and moisture signals. The multi-sensor framework demonstrates the value of synergistic remote sensing and reanalysis data for detecting both long-term stability and short-term climatic perturbations in high-altitude glacier systems. Findings contribute to improved understanding of cryospheric responses in the western Himalaya under ongoing climate variability.