An international scientists' survey was done on 11 potentially dangerous glacial lakes in the remote Hongu valley, Makalu-Barun National Park in northeastern Nepal, from Oct. 12 to Nov. 15 to scientifically assess the condition of the lakes in question.

According to Wednesday's eKantipur.com, report, the expedition was funded by the National Geographic Society with co-financing and logistical support provided by Hokkaido University, International Center for Integrated Mountain development (ICIMOD), and The Mountain Institute (TMI).

The team spent 33 days in the valley assessing the development history of each lake, their physical characteristics, water volumes, growth rates, danger of catastrophic outburst and mitigation methods.

Following field work in the Hongu valley, the team proceeded north to the Mt. Everest (Qomolangma) region in mid-November over the Amphy Laptsa pass (5,800 meters) to monitor the rapidly- melting Imja glacier and lake.

The results from the study will be presented at a climate change workshop in 2010 in Nepal, which will be jointly organized by TMI, United States Agency for International Development, National Science Foundation and ICIMOD.

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