Precarious: Soaring temperatures causing glaciers to melt

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s northern areas are home to over 5,000 glaciers and experts believe rising temperatures are accelerating the melting of these glaciers.

Glacial melt often results in the formation of glacial lakes. These lakes are usually bounded by sediment deposits which form a natural dam to hold the lake’s water. A GLOF takes place if the water level in the lake exceeds its capacity or if the dam bursts.

The lake’s walls might crumble under pressure from heavy discharges of water due to accelerated melting of glaciers. The dam might also break due to pressure from torrential downpour, seismic activity and erosion among other factors.

Once the dam gives way, the water accelerates down steep slopes, usually carrying boulders with it, and has the potential to decimate everything in its path.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2013.