The logic of the project is based on a transdisciplinary approach and has several stages:
Preliminary stage: Development of Databank of geospatial and reference information.
Stage 2: GIS inventory of glacial lakes and identification of potentially dangerous glacial lakes (PDGL) by a number of diagnostic criteria (increase in water area, changes in the relief of the damm) based on large-scale mapping and comparative GIS analysis of high-resolution satellite images from 1966 to 2020 (Corona, Geoton, Kanopus). Field verification and actualization of geodata (bathymetric survey of PDGL, geomorphological and geophysical survey of the dam). PDGL Hazard ranking (High, Moderate and Slight)
Stage 3: Hydrological GLOF modeling for the lakes with high and moderate hazard index, estimation of probable flood inundation sites with use of HEC-RAS and Flood Modeler software based on high resolution DEMs and bathymetric data. Development of GLOF hazard maps.
Stage 4: Socio-economic assessment of GLOF-prone sites (threat assessment to local communities, agricultural facilities, and infrastructure)
Final stage: Presentation of the study results to the stakeholders in regional Ministry departments of Emergency Situations, Planning and Development in Altai Republic of Russia, Western regions of Mongolia and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China for establishment of Joint Action Plan for development and implementing of PDGL monitoring, GLOF Early Warning System, and a set of protective measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of GLOF