Risk From Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
Question : Discuss the risks associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) as highlighted by recent developments in Uttarakhand.
In the News
- Uttarakhand government formed expert teams to assess risks from five glacial lakes prone to GLOFs.
What are GLOFs?
- GLOFs are sudden floods caused by the release of water from glacial lakes.
- Glacial lakes form as glaciers melt, leaving depressions that fill with water.
- Larger lakes pose a greater danger.
Causes of GLOFs
- Glacial calving (ice chunks falling into the lake) can displace water, triggering floods.
- Avalanches or landslides can destabilize lake boundaries, causing sudden water release.
- Increased glacial melt due to rising global temperatures is a major concern.
- Infrastructure development in vulnerable areas can worsen GLOF impacts.
Impacts of GLOFs
- Large volumes of water, sediment, and debris can travel downstream with destructive force.
- Floods can inundate valleys, destroy infrastructure (roads, bridges, buildings), and cause loss of life and property.
- Recent years have seen several GLOF disasters in the Himalayas.
Geographical Distribution
- GLOFs occur in glacial regions, especially the Himalayas, Andes, and Alps.
- Since 1980, GLOFs have become more frequent in the Himalayas, particularly near the China-Nepal border.
- India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) identified 188 potentially dangerous glacial lakes in the Himalayas.
- 13 of these lakes are in Uttarakhand.
Suggestions for Mitigating GLOF Risks
- Improve understanding of glacier and glacial lake dynamics.
- Analyze past GLOF events to assess future risks and plan mitigation strategies.
- Utilize satellite imagery and remote sensing to monitor glacial lakes.
- Develop and communicate emergency preparedness plans for at-risk communities.
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