A study reveals that a mega-tsunami in Greenland last year triggered vibrations in the Earth’s crust that lasted for nine days, baffling scientists. The event began with a landslide that occurred after the tsunami, caused by the collapse of a 1.2 km high peak in east Greenland in September 2023. The water in the fjord below violently splashed back and forth, generating the unusual vibrations, as reported by Sky News.
The tsunami resulted from the glacier at the mountain peak’s foot, an occurrence attributed to climate change, according to the study, which involved researchers from University College London (UCL). The co-author of the study, Dr. Stephen Hicks, noted that these strange vibrations above Dickson Fjord have left scientists “completely baffled.”
“This is the first time that water sloshing has been recorded as vibrations through the Earth’s crust, traveling the world over and lasting several days,” said Dr. Hicks from UCL Earth Sciences. He added, “Even though we know seismometers can record a variety of sources happening on Earth’s surface, never before has such a long-lasting, globally traveling seismic wave, containing only a single frequency of oscillation, been recorded.”
The landslide and subsequent tsunami were so powerful that they created seismic waves, which are typically associated with earthquakes. However, the source of these waves was the movement of water, not tectonic activity. The researchers were astonished by the longevity and global reach of these vibrations, which persisted for over a week.
Dr. Hicks emphasized that this phenomenon underscores the interconnectedness of various Earth systems. He remarked, “This study highlights the intricacies of interconnections between climate change in the atmosphere, destabilization of glacier ice in the cryosphere, movements of water bodies in the hydrosphere, and Earth’s solid crust in the lithosphere.”
The study also sheds light on the broader impacts of climate change, particularly how warming temperatures are affecting glacial stability. As glaciers melt and recede, the structural integrity of surrounding landscapes can be compromised, leading to events such as the Greenland landslide and tsunami. The research team’s findings illustrate the cascading effects that changes in one part of the Earth system can have on others.
In addition to providing new insights into seismic activity, the study highlights the importance of monitoring glacial regions, especially as climate change accelerates. The vibrations recorded by seismometers around the world demonstrate the potential for remote sensing technologies to detect and analyze such events, offering a valuable tool for understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The implications of this study extend beyond the scientific community. The recorded vibrations serve as a stark reminder of the powerful and far-reaching consequences of climate change. As the planet continues to warm, the frequency and intensity of such events may increase, posing significant challenges for communities and ecosystems around the globe.
This groundbreaking research not only expands our understanding of seismic phenomena but also reinforces the urgent need for comprehensive climate action. By studying the intricate connections between the atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere, scientists can better predict and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate.
The nine-day vibrations following the Greenland mega-tsunami have provided unprecedented insights into the interconnected nature of Earth’s systems. The study by Dr. Stephen Hicks and his team highlights the complex interplay between climate change and geological activity, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and proactive measures to address the multifaceted challenges posed by a warming world.
