A landslide in a Greenland fjord caused by climate change triggered a mega tsunami that shook the Earth for nine days in September 2023, an international team of researchers revealed Friday in the journal “The Earth.” Science ».
In September 2023, 25 million cubic metres of rock and ice fell into Dickson Fjord (East Greenland), a remote and uninhabited area nearly 200 km from the ocean. The landslide caused a mega tsunami 200 m high at its epicenter, and waves averaging 60 m high along 10 km of coastline. 70 km away, four-metre high waves damaged a research base on the island of Ella. The wave spread up to 50 m inland from the island, initially leaving its managers speechless. Fortunately, the base was closed for the season and there was only material damage.
“What is quite unique about this event is the duration of the seismic signal and the constancy of its frequency,” said one of the study’s authors, Kristian Svennevig of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), on Friday. “Other landslides and tsunamis have produced seismic signals, but only for a few hours and very locally. This one has been observed worldwide, all the way to Antarctica,” he added.
First “an unidentified seismic object”
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
“It’s quite impressive that we were able to use good quality data from stations as far away as Germany, Alaska and North America, and that these recordings were powerful enough to last for at least a week,” Angela Carrillo-Ponce, a doctoral student at the German Research Center for Geosciences GFZ, said in August during a first publication in the journal Geo Science world.
The phenomenon initially surprised the scientific community, which initially defined it as an “unidentified seismic object” before establishing that it had its source in the landslide in the Dickson Fjord. The signal was even recorded at a distance of 5,000 km.
In 2007, a study showed that the effects of global warming and changes in permafrost are likely to further reduce the stability of fjord slopes and increase the incidence of landslides and tsunamis. “With the Arctic continuing to warm, we can expect the frequency and magnitude of these events to increase in the future,” says Kristian Svennevig, stressing that he has “no experience of an Arctic as warm as the one we are currently seeing.”
He calls for early warning systems, a challenge in these extreme environments. In 2017, an avalanche of 50 million cubic metres of rock hit the Karrat Fjord and triggered a tsunami that flooded the village of Nuugaatsiaq, destroying 11 homes and killing four people.
– What caused the mega tsunami in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord?
Mega Tsunami in Greenland Fjord: A Devastating Consequence of Climate Change
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal “The Earth” on Friday, an international team of researchers has revealed that a massive landslide in a Greenland fjord, triggered by climate change, caused a mega tsunami that shook the Earth for an unprecedented nine days in September 2023. This catastrophic event is a dire warning of the devastating consequences of global warming and its impact on our planet’s fragile ecosystem.
The Devastating Landslide and Mega Tsunami
On September 16, 2023, a massive 25 million cubic meter landslide occurred in the remote and uninhabited Dickson Fjord in East Greenland, approximately 200 kilometers from the ocean. The landslide triggered a mega tsunami that reached a staggering 200 meters in height at its epicenter, with waves averaging 60 meters in height along a 10-kilometer stretch of coastline. The powerful waves damaged a research base on the island of Ella, located 70 kilometers away, causing four-meter high waves to crash ashore, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Unprecedented Seismic Signal
What makes this event truly unique is the duration and consistency of the seismic signal it generated. According to Kristian Svennevig, a researcher at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), “Other landslides and tsunamis have produced seismic signals, but only for a few hours and very locally. This one has been observed worldwide, all the way to Antarctica.” The seismic signal was recorded by stations as far away as Germany, Alaska, and North America, lasting for at least a week.
First ”Unidentified Seismic Object”
Initially, the scientific community was baffled by the phenomenon, dubbing it an “unidentified seismic object” before tracing it back to the landslide in the Dickson Fjord. The signal was detected at an astonishing distance of 5,000 kilometers, demonstrating the sheer power of this natural disaster. As Angela Carrillo-Ponce, a doctoral student at the German Research Center for Geosciences GFZ, noted, “It’s quite impressive that we were able to use good quality data from stations as far away as Germany, Alaska and North America, and that these recordings were powerful enough to last for at least a week.”
Climate Change Connection
The research underscores the connection between climate change and the increasing likelihood of such devastating events. A 2007 study revealed that global warming and changes in permafrost are likely to further destabilize slopes, leading to more frequent and intense landslides and tsunamis. This event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Conclusion
The September 2023 mega tsunami in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord is a chilling reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change. As our planet continues to warm, the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters are likely to increase, posing a significant threat to human life, infrastructure, and ecosystems. It is imperative that we take immediate and collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and adapt to the changing climate to mitigate the worst effects of global warming.
Keywords: Climate Change, Landslide, Mega Tsunami, Greenland Fjord, Seismic Signal, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, German Research Center for Geosciences, Global Warming, Permafrost, Natural Disasters, Renewable Energy Sources.
Meta Description: A massive landslide in a Greenland fjord triggered by climate change caused a mega tsunami that shook the Earth for nine days, highlighting the devastating consequences of global warming.
Header Tags:
H1: Mega Tsunami in Greenland Fjord: A Devastating Consequence of Climate Change
H2: The Devastating Landslide and Mega Tsunami
H2: Unprecedented Seismic Signal
H2: First “Unidentified Seismic Object”
H2: Climate Change Connection
H2: Conclusion
– What are the long-term implications of the mega tsunami event in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord on local ecosystems?
The Devastating Consequences of Climate Change: Mega Tsunami in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord
The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, and a recent event in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord has left scientists stunned. A massive landslide triggered a mega tsunami that shook the Earth for nine days in September 2023, and an international team of researchers has revealed the alarming details of this catastrophic event.
A Remote but Devastating Event
In September 2023, 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice fell into Dickson Fjord, a remote and uninhabited area nearly 200 km from the ocean. The landslide caused a mega tsunami, with waves reaching an astonishing 200 meters high at its epicenter and averaging 60 meters high along 10 km of coastline. The wave spread up to 50 meters inland from the island of Ella, causing damage to a research base, but fortunately, there were no casualties.
A Unique Seismic Signal
“What is quite unique about this event is the duration of the seismic signal and the constancy of its frequency,” said Kristian Svennevig of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS). “Other landslides and tsunamis have produced seismic signals, but only for a few hours and very locally. This one has been observed worldwide, all the way to Antarctica.”
First “an Unidentified Seismic Object”
Initially, the scientific community was baffled by the phenomenon, defining it as an “unidentified seismic object” before establishing that it originated from the landslide in the Dickson Fjord. The signal was even recorded at a distance of 5,000 km.
What Caused the Mega Tsunami in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord?
Researchers believe that climate change is the primary culprit behind this devastating event. As global warming continues to melt the permafrost, the stability of fjord slopes is compromised, increasing the likelihood of landslides and tsunamis. In 2007, a study predicted that the effects of warming and changes in permafrost would lead to more frequent and intense landslides and tsunamis.
A Call to Action
Kristian Svennevig emphasizes the need for early warning systems, especially in these extreme environments. The 2017 avalanche in the Karrat Fjord, which triggered a tsunami that flooded the village of Nuugaatsiaq, killing four people, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness.
As the Arctic continues to warm, the frequency and magnitude of these events are likely to increase. It is essential that we take immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change and invest in early warning systems to protect communities at risk.
The Consequences of Inaction
The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and devastating. Rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and altered weather patterns are all interconnected and interdependent. It is crucial that we take a proactive approach to addressing climate change, or we risk facing more catastrophic events like the one in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord.
The Future of Our Planet
The mega tsunami in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of the urgent need to address the pressing issue of climate change. As scientists, policymakers, and citizens, it is our collective responsibility to take action and safeguard the future of our planet.
Sources:
“The Earth” journal
Science.org
German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ)
Geo Science World journal
Keywords: climate change, mega tsunami, Greenland, Dickson Fjord, landslide, permafrost, early warning systems, Arctic warming.
