Barrier Lakes
Abstract
Barrier lakes are formed by water accumulation that occurs while a river valley or river bed is blocked by large-scale landslides. Barrier lakes are held in place by unstable dams, which could wash out, corrode, dissolve, or dissipate. The water level of a barrier lake can increase quickly, bringing more potential risks in the event of secondary disasters such as aftershocks and landslides. Barrier lakes can cause large-scale floods when dams collapse.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Landslides and related hazards
Flood Risk Assessment and Management
Earth Systems and Cosmic Evolution
Publication details
- Pages
- 62–89
- Publication date
- 6 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter