Global Glacial Flooding Risks Exposed by Alaska's Bursting Ice Dam

A glacial dam burst in Juneau, Alaska, causing unprecedented flooding and highlighting the risks of glacial floods, known as jökuhlaups, around the world. Such floods could threaten approximately 15 million people globally. The flooding in Juneau was caused by a side basin of the Mendenhall Glacier, which acts as a dam for rain and melted snow. Climate change has contributed to the retreat of glaciers, leaving lakes dammed by the remaining ice. The timing and volume of these floods are unpredictable, making it difficult to prepare for them. Loose glacial deposits in the area make the ground susceptible to erosion, exacerbating the damage caused by the floods.