Homes in Alaska Swept Away by Glacial Outburst Flood

As the planet continues to warm, it puts glaciers at an even greater risk of melting. In Juneau, Alaska, residents have been accustomed to glacial outburst flooding every year in the summer since 2011, but they had yet to see the worst flood so far.

What is a Glacial Outburst Flood?

A glacial flood is exactly what it sounds like - a flood essentially created by a glacier. When the glacier melts, it can cause water to collect at the front, on the side, or within the glacier and form a lake. These lakes can then burst suddenly and create a fast-flowing glacial outburst flood.

These floods can be dangerous and catastrophic, with enough power to crush houses and destroy any infrastructure in its path. They are also known for causing hundreds of death.

Glacial Outburst Flooding in Alaska