‘A mountain collapsed’: Scientists discover the cause of Earth’s nine violent vibrations in nine days
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Seismic Event Overview
A significant landslide and mega-tsunami in Greenland in September 2023 caused the Earth to vibrate for nine days, as reported by a recent scientific investigation.
Detection of the Event
The seismic activity was recorded by earthquake sensors globally, initially leaving researchers puzzled about its cause due to its unprecedented characteristics.
Cause of the Tsunami
On September 16, 2023, a 1,200-meter-high mountain collapsed into Dickson fjord, triggered by the melting glacier that could no longer support the rock face. This event generated an initial wave estimated at 200 meters high.
Impact of the Landslide
The landslide and resulting tsunami are the first of their kind recorded in eastern Greenland. The event highlights the increasing instability of Arctic regions as global temperatures rise.
Destruction of Inuit Site
The tsunami destroyed an ancient Inuit site at sea level, which had been uninhabited for at least 200 years, indicating that no similar events had occurred in that timeframe.
Scientific Collaboration
A team of 68 scientists from 40 institutions across 15 countries analysed the event using seismic data, field measurements, and computer simulations to understand its dynamics and impacts.
Modelling the Tsunami
The researchers successfully modelled the tsunami, confirming that it produced a distinct oscillation period of 90 seconds. This marked a new approach to tsunami modelling due to the event’s unique characteristics.
Global Implications
This event demonstrates the planetary-scale effects of climate change, with vibrations traveling from Greenland to Antarctica in under an hour. Scientists anticipate that similar landslides may become more common as global temperatures continue to rise.