Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)

 Glacial lake outburst flood

                               
Glacial lakes are found on the Himalayan regions. the water of such lakes is dammed by snow or rocks weakened by snow. In winter, the water of the glacial lakes is changed into snow, so the lakes look like the plains of snow. But in summer, the ice caps melt and the water becomes visible so the regions look like a lake.

When a glacier erodes the land and melts filling the space, glacial lakes are formed. Sometimes, when the water of glacial lakes comes out due to different reasons, it cause floods in the rivers and the area around them. It is called a glacial lake outburst flood. In Nepal, there are many glacial lakes at the risk of outburst. Tsho Rolpa Glacial lake in the Rolwaling valley is about 110 Km north east of kathmandu. It has been dammed by a 150 m high dam. It is an such example of such lakes. 

Causes of GOLF

1. Erosion of the rocks damming the glacial lakes.

2. Earthquake

3. Volcanic eruption under the ice (but not in Nepal)

Effects of GOLF

1. It causes flood in the river near them.

2. It destroys wildlife.

3. It causes landslides.

Prevention of  GLOF

1. A regular monitoring should be done to identify dangerous glacial lakes.

2. These regions should be evacuted to protect its life and property.