A massive landslide in a Greenland fjord triggered an extraordinary wave that "shook the Earth" for nine days, a phenomenon that baffled scientists and seismologists around the globe. The seismic signal, which emerged last September, was detected by sensors worldwide, prompting a detailed investigation to uncover its origin, BBC reported.
According to the UK-based international broadcaster, the landslide, which involved a substantial collapse of mountainside rock coupled with glacial ice, generated a towering wave that initially reached 200 meters in height. This massive wave was confined within the narrow fjord, causing it to oscillate back and forth continuously for an extended period of nine days. The persistent vibrations were detected as seismic signals, leading to widespread intrigue and concern among the scientific community, added BBC.
Landslides of this nature, scientists suggest, are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. As Greenland's glaciers continue to melt, they reduce the stability of the mountainous regions that depend on them for support. The results of the investigation into this extraordinary event have been published in the journal Science , showcasing the efforts of an international team of scientists in collaboration with the Danish Navy.
Dr. Stephen Hicks from University College London, a key member of the investigative team, recounted that when the initial signal was detected, it bore no resemblance to typical earthquake patterns. It was initially categorized as an "unidentified seismic object" due to its unusual characteristics, appearing consistently every 90 seconds over the nine-day period, BBC further reported.
The team, intrigued by the mysterious signals, connected with Danish colleagues who had been conducting fieldwork in Greenland. Using seismic data, satellite imagery, and photographs taken by the Danish Navy before the signal emerged, the team pinpointed the source of the seismic activity to Dickson Fjord in East Greenland.
Their research revealed that approximately 25 million cubic meters of rock—equivalent to 25 Empire State Buildings—plummeted into the fjord, creating a "mega-tsunami" that surged up to 200 meters high.
Unlike typical tsunamis, which dissipate rapidly in open ocean waters, this wave remained trapped due to the fjord’s complex system. As Dr. Hicks explained to BBC, the fjord's geographical features prevented the wave from losing energy, resulting in its prolonged oscillation.
The incident underscores the significant impact of climate change, as rising temperatures in Greenland have led to the thinning of glaciers that once stabilized the mountains. This event serves as a stark reminder of how climate change is increasingly affecting even the most remote and seemingly stable regions.
