IAG Photo Contest – winner July-September 2025
The winner of the IAG Photo Contest in July-September 2025 is Akshay R. Manocha (Poland)! Find below his photo and descriptive text.
If you want to participate in the context, find the rules, guidelines and details on the procedure here.
Prashar Lake Landslide – geomorphic evidence of slope instability
by Akshay Raj Manocha
The Prashar Lake landslide, located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India, is a notable example of large-scale slope failure in the Lesser Himalaya. Captured in this drone image from ~1000 meters distance (drone capability), at elevation 8363 ft, the landslide reveals classic features of a translational movement, including a prominent crown, main scarp, and multiple displaced blocks along stepped shear surfaces. The area is composed primarily of weathered metasedimentary rocks and colluvial debris, which, under the influence of monsoonal rainfall, undergo frequent instability. The geometry and structure of the slide suggest deep-seated deformation, with differential displacement visible across the slope. This landslide highlights the geomorphic consequences of active tectonics, steep terrain, and intense weathering in the Himalayan landscape. It serves as a compelling example of ongoing mass wasting processes and the necessity for continuous monitoring in such high-risk zones.