Skammhlaup

Skammhlaup is an Icelandic term that translates to "short circuit" or "flash flood." In its most common usage, it refers to a sudden, often unexpected, and powerful surge of water. This can occur due to the rapid melting of glaciers, the bursting of glacial ice dams, or the sudden release of water from subglacial lakes. These events can cause catastrophic flooding downstream, posing significant risks to infrastructure and settlements.

The phenomenon is particularly relevant in Iceland due to its extensive glaciers and volcanic activity, which can contribute to the formation of glacial lakes and the destabilization of ice dams. Scientific monitoring of glacial lakes and ice formations is crucial for predicting and mitigating the potential impacts of skammhlaup. Understanding the geological and meteorological factors that contribute to these events is an ongoing area of research. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any sudden, intense outburst or event.