Slow evolution punctuated by burst-like events localized onto interfaces or interface zones controls the evolution of a wide variety of geological processes, such as glacier sliding, earthquakes, rock falls, and landslides. In the Earth’s subsurface and cryosphere, the build-up of energy drives rocks and ice towards critical points at which a small perturbation can trigger a rapid release of energy. In the project FricFrac, we have worked on a physics-based approach to the development of a better understanding of the friction and fracture processes that control burst-like dynamics leading to these geohazards, and the construction of numerical and experimental models with potential predictive capability that utilize this advance in understanding. Starting from field studies in Svalbard (glaciers) and Lofoten (lower crustal earthquakes), we have developed novel concepts on how the role of fluids may control the onset of instabilities such as glacier surge or earthquake rupture. These concepts have been and will be published in a series of peer-reviewed articles in the coming years. The group members have also decided to continue this research and will submit proposals to Norwegian and European agencies and jointly train early career researchers.