Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Explained in plain English

How do glaciers melt?

Glaciers are huge ice masses that form over hundreds of years. They melt naturally in summer, but rising global temperatures are speeding this up, causing more water to flow into rivers. This extra water can lead to flash floods, like the one that trapped workers in Nepal, especially when combined with heavy rainfall.

Stories that explain this

Two workers rescued alive from Nepal flood tunnel after nine days

Related explainers

What is hydropower? Who owns Nepal's power? Why are tunnels so dangerous? What is a glacier collapse? Why are glaciers melting? How do glaciers move? What are Swiss glaciers?

The full catalogue

Browse every card filed under G →