A jökulhlaup is a type of glacial outburst flood that occurs when water trapped beneath a glacier suddenly escapes. This can happen due to the melting of ice, volcanic activity, or the failure of a dam created by ice or sediment. The rapid release of water can lead to powerful floods that reshape landscapes and can be dangerous to nearby communities. These floods are most commonly associated with glaciers in regions like Iceland, where volcanic activity frequently interacts with ice. The term "jökulhlaup" comes from the Icelandic language, meaning "glacier run." Understanding these events is crucial for predicting their impact on the environment and human settlements.