The floods were caused by the partial collapse of a glacier atop Langtang Lirung peak in the Himalayas, triggered by the breakdown of supporting bedrock and potentially destabilized by warmer-than-average temperatures. Heat created by sliding and grinding friction generated by falling ice and rock liquified the ice, creating a barrier lake at the base of the slope behind a temporary debris dam created by the landslide. When the dam failed, a torrent of muddy water, melting ice, and debris surged downstream.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style