Abstract

*Dr. Pruthviraj K. Chaudhary, Shloka V. Chaudhari, Dr. Ramesh D. Chaudhary, Anal Kirtikumar Patel, Sanjaykumar A. Chaudhary, Anandkumar M. Raval, Siddharth R. Chaudhari, Dr. Dhrubo Jyoti Sen and Dr. H. D. Karen

ABSTRACT

Siachen Glacier is often called the "Third Pole" because the Himalayan region, where it's located, holds the largest concentration of ice outside the North and South Poles, storing vast freshwater reserves crucial for Asian rivers and populations. It's the second-longest non-polar glacier, known for its extreme conditions and strategic importance as the world's highest battlefield, with India and Pakistan contesting its control. Why it's called the "Third Pole". Massive Ice Reserves: The Himalayan glaciers collectively store more freshwater than anywhere else except the polar ice caps. Water Source: This massive ice reservoir feeds major Asian rivers, impacting water security for a large part of the world. Key Facts about Siachen. ? Location: Karakoram Range, Himalayas. ? Size: About 76 km (47 miles) long, making it the world's second-longest non-polar glacier. ? Strategic Importance: Site of the world's highest battlefield, controlled by India since Operation Meghdoot in 1984. ? Water Source: Originates the Nubra River, a tributary of the Shyok. The term "Third Pole" highlights its immense water-storage capacity and vital role in regional climate and water supply, much like the Arctic and Antarctic poles. The world's coldest and highest battlefield is the Siachen Glacier, a remote, glacier-covered area in the Himalayas where India and Pakistan have maintained military posts at extreme altitudes (over 20,000 ft/6,000m) since 1984, enduring temperatures dropping to -50°C to -60°C and facing severe dangers from avalanches, crevasses, and frostbite rather than just combat. ? Location: Eastern Karakoram Range, Ladakh, India. ? Altitude: Soldiers operate above 20,000 feet (6,000 meters). ? Temperatures: Can plunge below -50°C (-58°F) and even reach -60°C (-76°F) in winter, with hurricane-force winds. ? Conflict: The area is a disputed territory, with both India and Pakistan maintaining forces. ? Dangers: More soldiers have succumbed to the environment (hypothermia, frostbite, avalanches) than to enemy fire. ? Name: Known as the "highest battlefield on Earth" and the "Third Pole". Challenges for Soldiers. ? Extreme cold and low oxygen. ? Avalanches and treacherous ice. ? Medical issues like high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) and acute mountain sickness (AMS).