ABSTRACT
In Iceland, natural processes such as snow avalanches, slush flows, rock falls, shallow landslides, and debris flows occur frequently. Although these processes are characterized by varying occurrence in time and space, they result in a constant threat to people and infrastructure. Official statistics denote at least 680 casualties by snow avalanches since 1118, but the real number is estimated to be much higher (Jóhannesson 2001). In 1995, two catastrophic snow avalanches in Sú∂avik and Flateyri caused 34 casualties. But slush flows, rock falls, and debris flows also endanger lives (Jóhannesson 2001). At the same time, the consequences of global warming and land-use change are completely unknown.
