How a 650-Foot tsunami Triggered a Nine-Day Seismic Mystery in Greenland

A groundbreaking study published in Science has revealed the cause behind a mysterious seismic signal that reverberated for nine days following a colossal tsunami triggered by a landslide in Greenland. This event, which unfolded last september, has drawn attention to the effects of climate change in the Arctic region.

The incident began on september 16, 2023, when a melting glacier resulted in a massive landslide. The landslide dumped a substantial amount of rock and debris into the water, generating a towering 650-foot tsunami. This immense wave became trapped in the narrow Dickson Fjord, leading to a phenomenon known as a "seiche"—a rhythmic oscillation of water akin to the sloshing of waves in a bathtub.

Unusual Vibrations

Seismologists were initially puzzled when their instruments recorded unusual vibrations. Unlike the brief signals typical of earthquakes, this particular signal persisted for an extraordinary nine days. stephen Hicks, a seismologist at university College london and co-author of the study, described the signal as a continuous hum rather than the expected earthquake rumbles. An international team of 68 scientists from 15 countries analyzed seismic, satellite, and ground data to trace the origin of the vibrations, pinpointing them to eastern Greenland, specifically the tsunami-affected area.

Climate Change Implications

The event underscores the growing instability in Arctic regions driven by climate change. The glacier that collapsed had been melting for years, leading to the eventual landslide. The study's authors caution that as the Arctic warms at a rate four times faster than the global average, similar landslide-triggered mega-tsunamis may become more frequent.

While the tsunami caused no injuries, it inflicted significant damage to cultural heritage sites and an unoccupied military base. The fjord is also frequented by cruise ships, and the authors noted that the presence of a ship during the tsunami could have led to catastrophic consequences.

The findings highlight the unpredictable nature of climate change and its potential to introduce new hazards in previously stable regions. As the Arctic undergoes rapid transformations, scientists emphasize the importance of enhanced monitoring and research to fully understand the impacts on both the environment and human communities.
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Sudha Subbiah

13/09/2024 04:34 PM