Last Updated:
Seismologists initially thought their instruments were malfunctioning when they detected the unusual vibrations. (Representative image/Reuters)
New study in Science reveals a rockslide in Dickson Fjord triggered seismic waves felt globally, highlighting climate change’s impact on Earth’s stability and hazards
A new study published in the renowned journal Science has unveiled the cause of a mysterious seismic signal that shook the Earth for nine days following a mega-tsunami triggered by a landslide in Greenland. The event, which occurred last September, has raised alarms about the impacts of climate change in the Arctic region.
The strange event began with the melting of a glacier, which led to a massive landslide on September 16, 2023, CNN reported. This landslide sent hoards of rock and debris into the water, creating a 650-foot mega-tsunami. It was so powerful that it became trapped in the narrow Dickson Fjord, causing a phenomenon known as a “seiche,” a rhythmic oscillation of water similar to a wave sloshing in a bathtub.
Unusual vibrations
Seismologists initially thought their instruments were malfunctioning when they detected the unusual vibrations. Unlike typical earthquake signals that last only minutes, this signal persisted for an unprecedented nine days, according to the report.
Stephen Hicks, a seismologist at University College London and co-author of the study published in the peer-reviewed journal, described the signal as a monotonous hum rather than the expected rumbles of an earthquake. As many as 68 scientists from 15 countries worked to analyze seismic, satellite, and ground data to determine the source of the vibrations. They traced the signal back to eastern Greenland, specifically to the area affected by the tsunami.
Climate Change
This event highlights the increasing instability of Arctic regions due to human-induced climate change. The glacier that collapsed had been melting for years, contributing to the mountain’s eventual instability. The study’s authors warn that as the Arctic continues to warm — at a rate four times faster than the global average — similar landslide-triggered mega-tsunamis may become more frequent.
While no injuries were reported from the tsunami, it caused significant damage to cultural heritage sites and an empty military base. The fjord is also on a popular cruise ship route, and the authors noted that had a ship been present during the tsunami, the consequences could have been catastrophic.
The findings underline the unpredictable nature of climate change and its potential to create new hazards in previously stable areas. As the Arctic continues to experience rapid changes, scientists stress the need for increased monitoring and research to understand the full range of impacts on both the environment and human communities.
