GLOFs - Geography Ebooks | TheGeoecologist

Question 1

What is the primary difference between a regular glacial melt flood and a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?

Accepted Answer

A GLOF is a sudden, catastrophic release of water from a glacial lake due to dam failure (moraine or ice), producing peak discharges 10-100 times higher than normal seasonal melt floods, with minimal warning time and massive sediment loads. Regular glacial melt floods follow predictable diurnal/seasonal patterns.

Question 2

Which Himalayan states in India are most vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods?

Accepted Answer

Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh are the most vulnerable. Sikkim has the highest density of potentially dangerous lakes per unit area, while Arunachal Pradesh has the largest absolute number of glacial lakes (1,620+). The 2023 South Lhonak (Sikkim) and 2013 Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) events underscore this vulnerability.

Question 3

How can UPSC aspirants effectively prepare Glacial Lake Outburst Floods for Geography Optional and GS Paper III?

Accepted Answer

Focus on: (1) Mechanism and classification with labeled diagrams, (2) Himalayan case studies (Dig Tsho 1985, Kedarnath 2013, South Lhonak 2023) with data, (3) Mitigation hierarchy—monitoring, structural (lake lowering), non-structural (EWS, zoning), policy (NDMA, Sendai), (4) Climate change linkages with IPCC AR6 projections, (5) Transboundary governance challenges. Practice answer writing integrating physical and human geography dimensions.

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Glacial Lake Outburst Floods: Complete Guide for UPSC Geography