Rapid Worldwide Growth in Glacial Lakes and Risk of Outburst Floods

Nature Climate Change, August 31

The global volume of glacier lakes increased 48% between 1990 and 2018, to 156.5 km³, a volume that would cover the country of Liechtenstein by a lake 1 km deep. Glacial lakes are bodies of water fed by a glacier’s meltwater, and subject to sudden outburst events that unexpectedly can flood downstream populations.  This global inventory of glacial lakes reveals the impact of increased meltwater lost by glaciers, and indicates heightened risk of exposure for populations and sensitive infrastructure in mountain regions.

Compiled by Amy Imdieke.