Survey of Global Glacier Surge is Mapping Flood and Infrastructure Risks

Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 12 February 2026

Global analysis of over 3,100 surging glaciers reveals clusters of fast-moving ice in dense groupings across the Arctic, High Mountain Asia, and the Andes. A glacier surge occurs when glacier ice suddenly flows much faster, rapidly pushing forward as it descends into lower elevations. While they only represent 1% of all glaciers worldwide, glacier surges affect just under one-fifth of global glacier area, and this behavior can result in catastrophic natural disasters. The study identified 81 glaciers that pose the greatest danger when they surge; with the majority in the Karakoram Mountains, spanning primarily Pakistan, India and China and where populated valleys and critical infrastructure lie directly below. Glacier surges can trigger hazards that include river blockage that releases devastating floods, meltwater outbursts from lakes beneath the glacier, avalanches, and widespread crevassing; which all can lead to extensive loss of life. Climate change has also increased extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall or summer heatwaves, triggering earlier and more unpredictable surges.

Paper | Summary by the University of Portsmouth | Lead Author on Glacier Surges