Passage: Glacial melt in northern Pakistan has accelerated in recent decades, initially increasing river flow but raising long-term concerns about future water supply once the glaciers substantially shrink. Scientists also warn of glacial lake outburst floods, sudden and destructive events triggered when meltwater breaches natural ice or debris dams. Monitoring systems have been installed in several high-risk valleys to detect early warning signs. Question: In the passage, the word ‘breaches’ most nearly means:

Question

Passage: Glacial melt in northern Pakistan has accelerated in recent decades, initially increasing river flow but raising long-term concerns about future water supply once the glaciers substantially shrink. Scientists also warn of glacial lake outburst floods, sudden and destructive events triggered when meltwater breaches natural ice or debris dams. Monitoring systems have been installed in several high-risk valleys to detect early warning signs. Question: In the passage, the word &#8216;breaches&#8217; most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

Breaks through or bursts past a barrier. 'Breaches' describes meltwater breaking through a dam, not strengthening or freezing it

Explanation