A Major Disaster occurred in Chamoli, Uttarakhand on Sunday (7 February). However, this time the incident is much smaller than before. In scientific language, it is called Glacier Lake Outburst Flut. This situation arises when the glacier breaks and becomes a catastrophic flood. Then the amount of glacier ice in the water is very high which flows with the water.
Such an event can also lead to the formation of a lake. Which is called a marginal or submarginal lake. A similar lake was formed due to the 2013 disaster in Uttarakhand. Scientists call it Jokulhlaup due to the occurrence of a sub-marginal lake. There is more debris brought into the water. Due to the pressure created in the water, large pieces of stone, rock, and ice flow away. A mild earthquake also occurs in such an event.
Where Did The Word Jokulhlop Come From?
Jokulof is an Icelandic word and derived from the English language. It originated with the Vatnajokull islange. However, it later came to be called every sub glacier burst. The water level in Glacier Lake can range from thousands of cubic meters to millions of cubic meters. If broken, water can flow at a speed of 15,000 Cubic Meters Per Second. A United Nations report has identified some glaciers as dangerous.
How Did The Alaknanda-Dhauliganga Rivers Flood This Season?
According to the Chamoli police statement, the Rishiganga power project has been damaged due to a break in the glacier in the Tapovan area. According to the statement issued by the police, people living on the banks of the Alaknanda River have been advised to move to safer places immediately. Some videos and their voices have surfaced, Due to which the horrors of the flood are being estimated. However, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat reported a little relief via tweet with a video at 3.40 pm. He has said, “It is clear from the situation of water flow in the river at Karnaprayag at 3.10 AM today that the possibility of flooding is very low. Our special focus is to save the workers trapped in the tunnels and we make all efforts All efforts have been made to deal with any problem. “
What Is Glacier Lake Flooding?
In general, when a glacial lake formed by melting the glacier accumulates a very large amount of water, and the glacier that holds it breaks due to some reason, and a large amount of water comes out from it, it becomes a flood. In other words, it is due to the massive drainage of the dam due to the breaking of the dam caused by the glacier. Especially due to these incidents happening at high altitudes, the dreadfulness of such floods is expected to be more.
When And Why Do Glaciers Break?
There can be many reasons for glacier breakdown. Jake erosion, heavy pressure of melted or frozen water, the ejaculation of snow or rocks or earthquake shocks under snow. This can also happen when a large part of the nearby glacier breaks due to the large amount of water deposited in the glacial lake from its location.In the opinion of experts, due to the outbreak of glacier lake due to flood conditions, heavy rain or snowmelt, earthquake, snowfall process and rapid slope in the lake.
How Much Water Can Be Stored In Glacier Lake?
The amount of water in Glacier Lake varies, but it can store millions of cubic meters of water. If the melting of ice continues, it can form water and come out of the glacial lake in a few minutes, it may take a few hours and may take several days. But, if it happens suddenly, then there is more possibility of destruction.
