Articles | Volume 10, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2399-2016
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2399-2016
Research article
 | 
20 Oct 2016
Research article |  | 20 Oct 2016

Glacier change and glacial lake outburst flood risk in the Bolivian Andes

Simon J. Cook, Ioannis Kougkoulos, Laura A. Edwards, Jason Dortch, and Dirk Hoffmann

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Cited articles

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Bolch, T., Buchroithner, M. F., Peters, J., Baessler, M., and Bajracharya, S.: Identification of glacier motion and potentially dangerous glacial lakes in the Mt. Everest region/Nepal using spaceborne imagery, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 8, 1329–1340, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-8-1329-2008, 2008.
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Short summary
This is the first study of recent glacier change for the whole of the Bolivian Cordillera Oriental from 1986 to 2014. These glaciers have shrunk by ~ 43 %, which is a concern for regional water resources. We provide the first quantification of meltwater lake development across the Bolivian Andes as glaciers have receded. These lakes have increased markedly in number and area. We identify 25 lakes as potential outburst flood risks to downstream communities. These lakes require further monitoring.