Glacial hazards

Simon J. Cook

doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-85242-5.00059-2

Glacial hazards

Simon J. Cook

Energy Environment and Society

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

Glacial environments are inherently hazardous due to their dynamic nature and unstable terrain. This chapter presents an overview of the key hazard processes in glacial regions, including mass movements of rock, snow and ice, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and hazards associated with ice-capped volcanoes. For several of these processes, climate change has an important influence on hazard frequency and magnitude through glacier shrinkage, permafrost degradation, and increased meltwater availability. Case studies, including those from Peru, the Himalaya, Alaska, and Greenland, are used to illustrate both direct impacts and cascading secondary hazard effects. The discussion highlights related research on hazard and risk assessment, mitigation efforts, early warning systems, and engagement with communities and stakeholders who may be affected by glacial hazards.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Comprehensive Cryospheric Science and Environmental Change
Editors	Scott A Elias, Richard Kelly
Publisher	Elsevier
Chapter	1.12
Pages	361-385
Volume	1
Edition	1
ISBN (Electronic)	9780323858939
ISBN (Print)	9780323852425
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-85242-5.00059-2
Publication status	Published - 3 Mar 2026

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 13 Climate Action

Keywords

Avalanche
Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)
Glacier detachment
Hazard
Jökulhlaup
Lahar
Landslide
Mass movement
Rock avalanche
Volcano

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Earth and Planetary Sciences

Access to Document

10.1016/B978-0-323-85242-5.00059-2

Cite this

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title = "Glacial hazards",

abstract = "Glacial environments are inherently hazardous due to their dynamic nature and unstable terrain. This chapter presents an overview of the key hazard processes in glacial regions, including mass movements of rock, snow and ice, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and hazards associated with ice-capped volcanoes. For several of these processes, climate change has an important influence on hazard frequency and magnitude through glacier shrinkage, permafrost degradation, and increased meltwater availability. Case studies, including those from Peru, the Himalaya, Alaska, and Greenland, are used to illustrate both direct impacts and cascading secondary hazard effects. The discussion highlights related research on hazard and risk assessment, mitigation efforts, early warning systems, and engagement with communities and stakeholders who may be affected by glacial hazards.",

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N2 - Glacial environments are inherently hazardous due to their dynamic nature and unstable terrain. This chapter presents an overview of the key hazard processes in glacial regions, including mass movements of rock, snow and ice, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and hazards associated with ice-capped volcanoes. For several of these processes, climate change has an important influence on hazard frequency and magnitude through glacier shrinkage, permafrost degradation, and increased meltwater availability. Case studies, including those from Peru, the Himalaya, Alaska, and Greenland, are used to illustrate both direct impacts and cascading secondary hazard effects. The discussion highlights related research on hazard and risk assessment, mitigation efforts, early warning systems, and engagement with communities and stakeholders who may be affected by glacial hazards.

AB - Glacial environments are inherently hazardous due to their dynamic nature and unstable terrain. This chapter presents an overview of the key hazard processes in glacial regions, including mass movements of rock, snow and ice, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and hazards associated with ice-capped volcanoes. For several of these processes, climate change has an important influence on hazard frequency and magnitude through glacier shrinkage, permafrost degradation, and increased meltwater availability. Case studies, including those from Peru, the Himalaya, Alaska, and Greenland, are used to illustrate both direct impacts and cascading secondary hazard effects. The discussion highlights related research on hazard and risk assessment, mitigation efforts, early warning systems, and engagement with communities and stakeholders who may be affected by glacial hazards.

KW - Avalanche

KW - Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)

KW - Glacier detachment

KW - Hazard

KW - Jökulhlaup

KW - Lahar

KW - Landslide

KW - Mass movement

KW - Rock avalanche

KW - Volcano

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105038478200

U2 - 10.1016/B978-0-323-85242-5.00059-2

DO - 10.1016/B978-0-323-85242-5.00059-2

M3 - Chapter

AN - SCOPUS:105038478200

SN - 9780323852425

VL - 1

SP - 361

EP - 385

BT - Comprehensive Cryospheric Science and Environmental Change

A2 - Elias, Scott A

A2 - Kelly, Richard

PB - Elsevier

ER -

Glacial hazards

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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