Geography
How Glacier Surges Differ from Normal Glacial Flow
Quick fact
During a surge, a glacier can advance up to 100 times faster than its normal speed—some have surged at 30–50 metres per day, compared to a few centimetres to a metre per day normally.
Why this is interesting
You’ve probably seen a glacier inching forward, but did you know some glaciers suddenly sprint, moving dozens of metres a day, before freezing in place again? What makes these icy giants break into a run?