---
title: "GLOF versus LDOF"
subject: "Engineering Geology II"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_4/engineering_geology_ii:glof-vs-ldof"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/engineering_geology_ii/glof-vs-ldof
site: BCT Engineering
---

# GLOF versus LDOF

Engineering Geology II · Chapter 5: Geological Hazards

- Asked in: 2079 Chaitra, 1 marks; 2078 Poush, 2 marks; 2076 Bhadra, 2 marks (asked 3 times)
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/engineering_geology_ii/glof-vs-ldof
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_4/engineering_geology_ii/chapter-5

## Question

Differentiate between GLOF and LDOF.

## Answer

| Point | GLOF | LDOF |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Glacial Lake Outburst Flood | Landslide Dam Outburst Flood |
| Dam | Moraine or ice dam of a glacial lake | Dam formed by a landslide that blocks a river |
| Location | High mountains, glacier valleys (Higher Himalaya) | Any steep river valley, mostly in the Lesser and Higher Himalaya |
| Water source | Glacier and snow melt | River flow blocked by the landslide |
| Cause of dam failure | Avalanche, ice-core melt, piping, earthquake | Overtopping, piping, erosion of the loose dam |
| Cause of dam formation | Glacier retreat | Landslide caused by rain or earthquake |
| Warning time | Longer; known lakes can be monitored | Short; the dam forms suddenly |
| Example | Dig Tsho (1985), Tsho Rolpa | Jure landslide dam on the Sunkoshi (2014) |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does LDOF stand for?
   A. Landslide Dam Outburst Flood
   B. Lake Debris Outflow Flood
   C. Large Dam Overflow Flood
   D. Land Drainage Overflow
   Answer: A. LDOF is an outburst of a river dammed by a landslide. (Key point: LDOF meaning)

2. Which statement is correct about warning time?
   A. GLOF forms suddenly with no monitoring
   B. GLOF has longer warning and can be monitored; LDOF forms suddenly
   C. LDOF has longer warning
   D. Both have no warning
   Answer: B. Glacial lakes can be monitored while landslide dams form suddenly. (Key point: Warning time)

3. Which is an example of LDOF?
   A. Tsho Rolpa
   B. Imja Lake
   C. Jure landslide (2014)
   D. Dig Tsho (1985)
   Answer: C. The Jure landslide dammed the Sunkoshi; Dig Tsho and Tsho Rolpa are glacial lakes. (Key point: Example)

## Related in Engineering Geology II

- [Flood versus GLOF](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Aflood-vs-glof) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 5