The Incidence of Landslides, Avalanches, and Floods in Western Norway during the Little Ice Age

Abstract

Land rent assessments from western Norway and documents concerned with applications for their reduction provide detailed information about the incidence of landslides, rockfalls, and avalanches, as well as floods, during the period of the Little Ice Age. The nature and reliability of the available data is discussed and is shown to be adequate to demonstrate a much increased incidence of major mass movements and floods which started in the late 17th century and continued into the 19th century in valleys adjacent to Jostedalsbre. This environmental change began abruptly and there was a striking concentration of disastrous incidents between 1650 and 1760 and in certain years during that period, such as 1687, 1693, and 1702.