Seismic observations, numerical modeling, and geomorphic analysis of a glacier lake outburst flood in the Himalayas

Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are a substantial hazard for downstream communities in vulnerable regions, yet unpredictable triggers and remote source locations make GLOF dynamics difficult to measure and quantify. Here, we revisit a destructive GLOF that occurred in Bhutan in 1994 and apply cross-correlation–based seismic analyses to track the evolution of the GLOF remotely (~100 kilometers from the source region). We use the seismic observations along with eyewitness reports and a downstream gauge station to constrain a numerical flood model and then assess geomorphic change and current state of the unstable lakes via satellite imagery. Coherent seismic energy is evident from 1 to 5 hertz beginning approximately 5 hours before the flood impacted Punakha village, which originated at the source lake and advanced down the valley during the GLOF duration. Our analysis highlights potential benefits of using real-time seismic monitoring to improve early warning systems.

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Inventory of Glaciers, Glacial Lakes and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods: Monitoring and Early Warning Systems in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region - Bhutan

10.53055/icimod.373 ◽

2001 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

P.K. Mool ◽

D. Wangda ◽

S. R. Bajracharya ◽

S. P. Joshi ◽

K. Kunzang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Warning ◽

Early Warning Systems ◽

Himalayan Region ◽

Glacial Lake ◽

Warning Systems ◽

Glacial Lakes ◽

Outburst Floods ◽

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods ◽

Hindu Kush ◽

Monitoring And Early Warning

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Current State and Solutions for Future Challenges in Early Warning Systems and Alerting Technologies

Advanced ICTs for Disaster Management and Threat Detection ◽

10.4018/978-1-61520-987-3.ch008 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 108-130 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ulrich Meissen ◽

Agnès Voisard

Keyword(s):

Information And Communication Technologies ◽

Early Warning ◽

Communication Technologies ◽

Early Warning Systems ◽

Future Research ◽

Warning Systems ◽

Current State ◽

Future Challenges ◽

Critical Issues ◽

Information And Communication

The deployment of Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Alerting Technologies (AT) is one of the best measures for improved disaster prevention and mitigation. With the evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), we face new opportunities as well as new challenges for improving classical warning processes. This chapter concentrates on the main aspects of existing early warning systems and alerting technologies. Beginning with the definition and classifications in this field, we describe general approaches, representative systems, and interoperability aspects of EWS. Furthermore, we introduce a list of criteria for evaluating and comparing existing systems. It is worth noting that the deployment of an operational EWS is a complex challenge and remains a young field of research. This is due to many reasons, ranging from the political to the technical. The most critical issues regarding efficient alerting are described in this chapter, along with areas for future research.

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The CARE Telematics Network for the Surveillance of Influenza in Europe

Methods of Information in Medicine ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1634617 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 34 (05) ◽

pp. 518-522 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

M. Bensadon ◽

A. Strauss ◽

R. Snacken

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Early Warning ◽

Early Warning Systems ◽

Warning Systems ◽

Surveillance Networks ◽

Spanish Flu ◽

The 1950S ◽

National Networks ◽

First Time

Abstract:Since the 1950s, national networks for the surveillance of influenza have been progressively implemented in several countries. New epidemiological arguments have triggered changes in order to increase the sensitivity of existent early warning systems and to strengthen the communications between European networks. The WHO project CARE Telematics, which collects clinical and virological data of nine national networks and sends useful information to public health administrations, is presented. From the results of the 1993-94 season, the benefits of the system are discussed. Though other telematics networks in this field already exist, it is the first time that virological data, absolutely essential for characterizing the type of an outbreak, are timely available by other countries. This argument will be decisive in case of occurrence of a new strain of virus (shift), such as the Spanish flu in 1918. Priorities are now to include other existing European surveillance networks.

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