Some glaciers can suddenly surge forward—with dangerous consequences
Phys.org
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Glacier surges, sudden movements of ice that can occur even when surrounding temperatures are cold, pose significant dangers to both natural environments and human populations. These events happen when internal pressure builds up within the glacier due to factors like ice melt at its base or accumulation over time. When this pressure is released, the glacier can move forward rapidly—sometimes by tens of meters in a single day—overwhelming nearby areas with floods of debris-laden water.
The phenomenon has been observed in regions such as Alaska and Iceland, where surging glaciers have caused severe flooding, damaged infrastructure, and posed risks to communities. While these events are rare,
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/14/2026