Geography
How Glacier Surges Create Rapid Ice Front Advances
Quick fact
During a surge, a glacier can move 10 to 100 times faster than normal, advancing its front by up to several kilometers in just a few months to a year—without any change in climate.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a glacier that stands still for decades, then suddenly races forward at highway speed, pushing its icy front across a valley in just a few months. What triggers this explosive release of ice?