Environmental Scientist Studies Glacial Outburst Flow Toward Juneau, Alaska
What happened
An environmental scientist is studying the predictable pattern of glacial outburst flows toward Juneau, Alaska. These floods are caused by an enormous basin formed by a retreating glacier that fills with water as the weather warms. The scientist notes that these events have occurred every summer for the past 15 years, with the severity increasing.
From wbur.org
Why it matters
The predictable floods are viewed as a growing risk to the region. The basin formation and subsequent water pressure are the focus of the current study. The events are occurring in the context of officials assessing damage and forecasting river crests related to the Mendenhall River.
Following a recent flooding event, officials are assessing the damage and forecasting river crests related to the Mendenhall River in the Juneau area.
From wbur.org
Who's involved
- JuneauCity whose infrastructure and operations are subject to river flow and flood warnings.
- Mendenhall Wetlands State Game RefugeRefuge whose habitat is subject to potential impacts from the glacial outburst flow.
- Mendenhall LakeLake whose conditions are influenced by the glacial meltwater and is a source of the current flow.
- AlaskaState whose capital city is located in Juneau.
- National Weather ServiceForecasting agency relied upon by the city of Juneau for critical flood monitoring.
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The entities involved
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Juneau
consolidated city-borough and state capital of Alaska, United States