**Glacial Dam Outbursts: Understanding the Causes and Impacts**
**What Caused the Flooding in Juneau?**
The recent flooding in Juneau, Alaska, was caused by water from the receding Mendenhall Glacier’s side basin known as the Suicide Basin. The basin collects precipitation and meltwater from the nearby Suicide Glacier during the spring and summer. Eventually, the water bursts out from under the Mendenhall Glacier, flowing into Mendenhall Lake and down the Mendenhall River. While glacial dam outbursts have been occurring in the area since 2011, the most recent flood surprised residents with the rapid movement of the water, damaging homes and prompting some to evacuate.
**The Impact of Climate Change**
Climate change has been melting glaciers worldwide. Studies have shown significant melting trends, with projections suggesting that two-thirds of glaciers may disappear by the end of the century. Glaciers in the Himalayas, for example, are melting at unprecedented rates. However, the relationship between climate change and glacial outburst floods like the one in Juneau is complex. The basin where the water collects was formerly covered by the Suicide Glacier, which responded more rapidly to climate changes. While the phenomenon itself is caused by climate, each individual flood is not directly linked to climate change.
**The Frequency and Variability of Glacial Dam Outbursts**
Glacial dam outbursts, known as jökuhlaups, are not uncommon globally, threatening millions of people. However, they are often overlooked in the United States, even in Alaska, which has a significant number of glaciers. These outbursts can vary in severity and timing from year to year, making them unpredictable. As glaciers continue to retreat, new basins may form, leading to changes in flood patterns. Glaciers are a dynamic system, and both the occurrence and cessation of floods are possible.
**The Impacts of Glacial Melting**
In addition to the risk of flooding, glacial loss can have significant consequences. Diminished water supplies in affected areas can impact agriculture and tourism. Alaska, with its vast glaciers and breathtaking landscapes, attracts tourists who are drawn to its natural beauty. Glacial coverage in the state spans about 33,000 square miles and losing ice from Alaska’s glaciers would be the equivalent of covering Texas in 4 inches of water. The retreat of glaciers also affects ecosystems, including crucial habitats for salmon, which researchers are studying to gain a better understanding of the impact.
Overall, glacial dam outbursts pose a unique set of challenges, particularly in areas with receding glaciers. While climate change plays a role in glacier melting, the occurrence of individual floods is influenced by various factors. As scientists continue to study and monitor these events, understanding their causes and impacts becomes crucial in mitigating their effects and ensuring the safety of communities living near glacier-fed rivers and lakes.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings