Scientists Warn of Megatsunamis from Melting Glaciers

Climate scientists are sounding the alarm over the increasing threat of megatsunamis, with waves potentially exceeding 100 meters in height, as melting glaciers in Greenland trigger significant landslides. A recent study published in *The Seismic Record* examined a notable incident from September 2023, when a megatsunami struck Dickson Fjord in East Greenland. The event was initially reported on social media and later confirmed by seismologists, who noted waves impacting a military installation over 50 kilometers away. Fortunately, the area was uninhabited at the time, preventing any casualties. On September 16, 2023, a massive rockmass, comparable in size to a rugby stadium, detached and fell approximately 300-400 meters down a slope. This landslide, which incorporated glacier ice, transformed into a mixed rock-ice avalanche before entering the water. The resulting megatsunami reached a peak height exceeding 200 meters and maintained a height of around 60 meters along a 10-kilometer stretch of the fjord. While the exact cause of the landslide remains unclear, researchers were able to analyze the force and direction of the event, revealing that it generated vibrations detectable by earthquake measuring stations up to 5,000 kilometers away. The study highlights the prolonged impact of the tsunami, with waves continuing to oscillate in the fjord for over a week. Researchers emphasize the connection between climate change and the increased frequency of such landslides, noting that the retreat of glaciers and thawing permafrost are contributing factors. They assert that the ongoing effects of climate change could further elevate the risk of megatsunamis in the future.