Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) occur when water from a glacial lake suddenly releases, often due to the failure of a dam made of ice or sediment. These lakes form when glaciers melt, creating large bodies of water that can become unstable. When the dam breaks, it can lead to rapid flooding downstream, posing risks to communities and ecosystems.
GLOFs are particularly common in mountainous regions, such as the Himalayas and Andes, where glaciers are prevalent. The increasing effects of climate change are causing glaciers to melt more rapidly, potentially increasing the frequency and severity of these floods.