Scientists Warn Melting Glaciers Could Form Over 50,000 New Lakes, Increasing Flood Risks in Arctic and Beyond
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that the melting of glaciers could lead to the formation of over 50,000 new lakes in areas currently covered by ice, including the Arctic, Alaska, and mountainous regions in Asia and the Andes. This research, conducted by an international team from Sweden, the U.S., Switzerland, and Norway, utilized a three-dimensional ice flow model to map the topography beneath glaciers. The study highlights that these new lakes could significantly increase the risk of flooding, particularly in densely populated regions such as India, Pakistan, Peru, and China. The potential for sudden floods, known as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), poses a threat to approximately 15 million people worldwide. 
