Mountains Burst: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and Community Resilience in the Western Himalayas
Connor Agu – Undergraduate - UNR
Parts of Ladakh and the Chenab River Basin, in the Western Himalayas of northern India and Pakistan, face growing risks from glacier retreat and meltwater accumulation that increase the likelihood of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) has become increasingly problematic for downstream Himalayan farming and pastoral communities. Accelerated by climate change, freshwater supplies, farmland, and infrastructure across the Western Himalayas are increasingly at risk due to glacial melt floods from the collapse of moraine-dammed lakes. This paper examines how GLOFs pose a threat to freshwater security, livelihoods, and governance in the region, and explores strategies to mitigate the risks, including early warning systems, susceptibility mapping, Satellite remote sensing, periodic field measurements, and community-based governance. Drawing on findings from Rather et al. (2024) and Das et al. (2024), research in the Chenab Basin examines how the rising instability of glacial lakes and increasing frequency of floods is reshaping human–water relationships in the Western Himalayas. I address the question: how are people and governments in the Western Himalayas adapting to the increasing frequency of glacial lake outburst flooding while protecting access to freshwater, maintaining livelihoods, and ensuring community stability? Despite institutional and technical challenges, growing collaboration among scientists, local authorities, and residents shows how community-led adaptation and hydrological monitoring can strengthen long-term resilience to climate-driven freshwater hazards.
How Climate Change is Affecting the Swiss Alps Water Supply
Karime Estrada – Undergraduate – NSU
Switzerland is home to some of the biggest glaciers in the European Alps, some of which are the Aletsch Glacier, Plaine Morte, and Gorner Glacier. Glaciers are large masses of ice created from compact snow that has accumulated over the years. The melting of these glaciers is the source of major rivers like the Rhône River, which runs through Switzerland and France, and flows directly into the Mediterranean Sea. The Rhine River runs through Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Liechtenstein, and France, and supplies water for canals in Belgium. The water is also used for drinking water and agricultural reasons. The majority of Switzerland is also hydropowered, using moving water to eventually create electricity. Climate change is the long-term increase in temperature caused by many different human activities which result in greenhouse gas emissions, which leads to the rise of Earth's surface temperature. Due to climate change, the glaciers are melting much faster, disrupting the water cycle and in turn causing droughts when water is needed and floods when it’s not.
How Iceland's Volcanoes and Climate Change are Impacting Water Supplies and People
Chasie Hammond – Undergraduate - NSU
When you look at the beauty of the black shores of Iceland, you most likely don’t consider how they have come to be or how their formation is impacting the environment. The processes creating the black shore beaches may be related to pretty big problems for the surrounding areas. The black sand beaches are formed from the islands surrounding volcanoes. For example: the Katla Volcano erupted centuries ago and once the basalt from this eruption cooled, it was broken down by water of the Atlantic creating the iconic black sand beaches. Climate change and volcanic eruptions may increase glaciers melting which can result in floods, mud flows and bigger ocean waves. Rapid glacier melting may result in ground rebound which can serve as a model to study this relationship elsewhere in the world. Additionally, water supplies nearby the volcanoes have an excess of fluoride which can be a hazard to humans. High amount of sulfur dioxide and volcanic ash have created respiratory problems. Winds can carry ash into water and feed used for livestock. These issues affect everyone: farmers, their livestock, and visitors. Possible solutions to these health and environmental impacts of volcanoes in Iceland will be explored.
Water Insecurity in Cordillera Blanca Mountains in Huaraz, Peru
Alexia McGowan – Undergraduate - UNR
This project examines how glacier retreat in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru is reshaping urban water insecurity in the city of Huaraz. As glaciers recede due to climate change, the city’s dependence on seasonal melt water is becoming increasingly precarious, threatening the reliability and safety of water access for households, communities, and municipal infrastructure. While existing research has largely centered on agriculture, irrigation and hydropower downstream, fewer studies have investigated how urban residents experience and respond to the social and infrastructural changes of water insecurity and high mountain environments. This study analyzes the relationship between glacier fed, runoff, municipal water supply systems, and local adaptation strategies, with particular attention to community perceptions of risk, trust and institutions, and resilience planning. By focusing on Huaraz, as a case study, this research underscores the broader vulnerability of cities facing intersecting pressures of glacial retreat, urbanization, and climate variability.
