The purpose of this website is to disseminate information on natural hazards in Iceland related to glaciers.
The site is maintained by the Geophysics Division of the Science Institute.

 Home        Jökulhlaups        About us        The Project        Sitemap

Get information about the countries and institutions involved into this project.

6 European Countries and 11 different institutes are involved in this project which is partly funded by the European Community.

The main objective of GLACIORISK is to develop scientific studies for detection, survey and prevention of future glacial disasters in order to save human lives and to reduce damages.

With most glaciers receeding in Europe at present, extreme floods due to lake outbursts or sudden drainage of internal water pockets can easily occur. Ice avalanches are also extremely hazardous but do not happen that often.

Our current understanding of glacier risks is primarily based on historic descriptions and is in need of improvement. In some locations geomorphological changes over the past few decades make camparisons with historical observations difficult. Changing environmental and climotological conditions have an effect on possible hazards and a growing population and increasing tourism put more lives in danger.

                                                Photo: V. Schytt, 9 September 1961