Uncovering the Mystery of Greenland’s Mega-Tsunami: Before and After Photos of the Devastating Landslide

In August 2023, a massive landslide of rock and glacial ice occurred in a fjord in Greenland, triggering a seismic wave that reverberated across the Earth for nine consecutive days. The landslide led to a 656-foot “mega-tsunami” within the narrow fjord, causing vibrations felt by sensors worldwide.

Dr. Stephen Hicks, a researcher at University College London, described the seismic wave as an “unidentified seismic object” that appeared every 90 seconds for nine days. This unusual and long-lasting phenomenon puzzled scientists, leading to a collaborative effort involving 68 researchers from 15 countries to investigate the event.

The glacier supporting the mountain above Dickson Fjord had been melting due to climate change, eventually collapsing in mid-September 2023. The resulting tsunami wave created a seiche, a rhythmic wave trapped within the fjord, which persisted for an unprecedented nine days.

The seismic energy generated by the seiche traveled deep into the Earth’s crust, taking approximately an hour to reach Antarctica. This event highlighted the interconnected impact of climate change on the atmosphere, glacier destabilization, water movements, and Earth’s crust.

While no injuries were reported from the tsunami, an empty military base and cultural heritage sites were damaged. The study authors noted that if cruise ships had been in the area, the consequences would have been devastating. This type of landslide and tsunami had never been seen in East Greenland before, indicating the potential for more frequent occurrences due to the rapid warming of the Arctic region.

The Arctic has been warming four times faster than other parts of the globe since 1979, raising concerns about the increased risk of mega-tsunamis triggered by landslides in the region. The collapse of the glacier supporting the mountain serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on vulnerable areas.

The research findings were published in the journal Science, shedding light on the complex interactions between climate change, glacier dynamics, and seismic events. The unprecedented nature of this event underscores the urgent need for continued monitoring and research to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change on fragile ecosystems.