You may have heard that the earth vibrated for nine days in 2023 and the event puzzled scientists across the globe. If you want to know about it, then you are at the right place. In September 2023, a melting glacier in eastern Greenland triggered a massive landslide, leading to a 650-foot-high mega-tsunami. This occurred in Dickson Fjord, a remote part of Greenland, and was caused by the destabilization of a glacier at the base of a 4,000-foot mountain. Due to climate change and rising global temperatures, the glaciers had been gradually thinning. When the glacier finally gave way, it sent a colossal amount of debris tumbling into the fjord, displacing enough material to fill around 10,000 Olympic-sized pools.
Mysterious Global Vibrations Detected
Following this event, scientists noticed an unusual global phenomenon: a persistent ground vibration lasting nine days. Unlike earthquake tremors, which are usually brief and intense, this signal was a continuous, low-frequency hum. Seismologists from across the globe were puzzled by the unfamiliar pattern, initially believing it to be a glitch in their equipment.
Collaborative Global Investigation
The unexpected signal sparked a year-long investigation by a group of 68 scientists from 15 different countries. By analyzing seismic readings, satellite data, and computer simulations, they identified the cause. The vibrations were the result of a “seiche,” a rhythmic wave motion that occurs when water sloshes back and forth within an enclosed space. The mega-tsunami’s waves became trapped in the narrow fjord, causing the water to oscillate for over a week. This movement generated seismic energy that travelled across the globe.
Warning of Climate Change Impact
The findings highlight the ongoing and unpredictable impacts of climate change in the Arctic. The melting glacier that triggered the landslide is a reminder that the region is entering “uncharted waters” as global temperatures continue to rise, with severe consequences for ecosystems and human populations alike.