What's happened
A landslide in Greenland last September caused a massive tsunami and seismic vibrations detected worldwide. Researchers attribute the event to climate change, linking glacier instability to the collapse of a mountain peak into Dickson Fjord. This unprecedented phenomenon highlights the interconnectedness of climate change and geological events.
What's behind the headline?
Impact of the Event
- Seismic Phenomenon: The landslide generated a unique seismic signal, termed a USO (unidentified seismic object), which lasted for nine days and was detected worldwide.
- Climate Change Connection: The event underscores the direct impact of climate change on geological stability, as melting glaciers contribute to landslides in previously stable regions.
- Future Implications: Similar events may become more frequent as global temperatures rise, posing risks to coastal communities and ecosystems.
Scientific Insights
- Research Collaboration: A team of 68 scientists from 40 institutions collaborated to analyze the event, utilizing satellite imagery and mathematical models to understand the tsunami's dynamics.
- Global Awareness: This incident raises awareness about the broader implications of climate change, emphasizing the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.
Potential Risks
- Increased Landslides: As glaciers continue to melt, the likelihood of similar landslides and tsunamis may increase, threatening uninhabited and inhabited areas alike.
- Monitoring Needs: Enhanced monitoring of glacier stability and seismic activity is crucial to predict and respond to future geological events linked to climate change.
What the papers say
The Guardian reported that the seismic event was unprecedented, with Dr. Kristian Svennevig stating, 'It definitely shows east Greenland is coming online when it comes to landslides.' Meanwhile, Dr. Stephen Hicks from UCL emphasized the intricate connections between climate change and geological events, noting, 'This is the first time that water sloshing has been recorded as vibrations through the Earth’s crust.' The Independent highlighted the scale of the tsunami, estimating that 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice were involved, enough to fill 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This collaborative research effort illustrates the global scientific community's response to understanding the implications of climate change on geological stability.
How we got here
In September 2023, a 1.2km-high mountain peak collapsed into Dickson Fjord, triggering a tsunami and seismic waves. This event was linked to climate change-induced glacier thinning, which destabilized the rock face above. The tsunami generated waves up to 200m high, causing vibrations that puzzled scientists globally.
Go deeper
Common question
-
How Did the Greenland Landslide Impact Global Seismic Activity?
In September 2023, a significant landslide in Greenland triggered seismic waves felt around the world, raising questions about the relationship between climate change and geological events. This unprecedented phenomenon not only highlights the fragility of our planet's geological stability but also prompts further inquiry into how such events are monitored and their implications for future climate policies.
More on these topics
-
Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
-
University College London, officially known as UCL since 2005, is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom.
-
Climate change includes both the global warming driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases, and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns.