Final answer:
A "jökulhlaup" is the Icelandic term used by geographers for a catastrophic flood resulting from a subglacial or ice-dammed lake. These events usually happen when the glacial lake's water level rises.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Icelandic term that geographers use for catastrophic floods that result from a subglacial or ice-dammed lake is "jökulhlaup". These can occur when a glacial lake's water level rises high enough to release a large amount of water.
The ancient Icelandic term 'jökulhlaup' translates to 'glacier leap', which reflects the swift nature of these types of floods.For example, let's consider a scenario where a glacier or ice is damming a body of water, creating a lake behind it.
If there's some kind of warming event (like a volcanic activity), the ice or glacier could melt or shift, removing the dam and releasing the water. This release would likely happen quickly and with a great deal of force, creating a catastrophic flood.
Such floods can be extremely destructive due to the sheer volume of water they release in a short period. They have been known to transform landscapes, washing away everything in their path.
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