As climate change continues to impact the world, the melting of glaciers has become a major concern. One of the consequences of this melting is the formation of glacial lakes, which can pose a threat to nearby communities if they suddenly burst. To mitigate this risk, researchers are exploring the use of drones for monitoring and mapping changes in these lakes and predicting potential outburst floods.
Glacial lakes are formed when meltwater accumulates in depressions on the surface of glaciers. These lakes can grow rapidly, and if the water pressure becomes too great, the ice dam holding the lake in place can rupture, causing a sudden and potentially catastrophic flood downstream.