•1 min read•from Oceanography News -- ScienceDaily
Scientists warn of 3,100 “surging glaciers” that can trigger floods and avalanches
Our take
Recent studies have revealed a hidden threat within the world's glaciers: over 3,100 “surging glaciers” that have the potential to accelerate rapidly, triggering devastating floods and avalanches. While many glaciers are receding due to climate change, these unique glaciers pose significant risks, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Arctic and the Karakoram Mountains. Their sudden movements can lead to catastrophic events, placing nearby communities in jeopardy. Understanding and monitoring these glaciers is crucial for effective risk management and community safety.
A hidden threat is emerging in the world’s glaciers: while most are shrinking, a rare group known as “surging glaciers” can suddenly accelerate, unleashing powerful and sometimes destructive events. Scientists have identified over 3,100 of these glaciers worldwide, with many clustered in high-risk regions like the Arctic and the Karakoram Mountains, where communities lie directly in their path.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience
Tagged with
#surging glaciers#floods#avalanches#glaciers#climate change#Arctic#Karakoram Mountains#high-risk regions#accelerate#destructive events#scientists#communities#threat#climate impact#natural disasters#environmental risks#glacier dynamics#geophysical processes#climate science#risk management