Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs): causes, modeling, and mitigation in Indian Himalayan region
摘要
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) occur when the moraine dam of a glacial lake fails, releasing large volumes of water downstream with little or no forewarning. These floods have high damage potential and are becoming more frequent due to accelerated glacier melt in a warming climate. This article focuses on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and provides a detailed examination of GLOF formation, their causative factors, and the modeling approaches used to assess their occurrence. Existing modeling techniques, along with advanced methods, are described in detail. The paper also discusses mitigation measures and the socioeconomic implications of GLOFs. Additionally, a recent GLOF event in Sikkim, India, is analyzed, highlighting its significant impact and the increased attention it has drawn from researchers, policymakers, and disaster management agencies. This event has accelerated efforts toward mitigation strategies and scientific research to better understand and manage GLOF risks in the region.