Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary cause of the lengthy seismic activity observed in mid-September 2023?
What was the primary cause of the lengthy seismic activity observed in mid-September 2023?
- Underground mining activities destabilized the area.
- An active volcano erupted near the fjord.
- A series of small earthquakes followed by a large quake.
- A massive landslide and tsunami occurred in the fjord. (correct)
How much rock and ice was estimated to have been dumped into the Dickson Fjord during the landslide?
How much rock and ice was estimated to have been dumped into the Dickson Fjord during the landslide?
- 10 million cubic yards.
- 33 million cubic yards. (correct)
- 75 million cubic yards.
- 50 million cubic yards.
What phenomenon contributed to the prolonged shaking of the Earth following the tsunami?
What phenomenon contributed to the prolonged shaking of the Earth following the tsunami?
- A volcanic eruption occurring beneath the fjord.
- A return wave created due to the fjord's narrow confine. (correct)
- Meteorological changes affecting ground stability.
- Continuous seismic activity from nearby tectonic plates.
What measurement describes the height of the tsunami triggered by the landslide?
What measurement describes the height of the tsunami triggered by the landslide?
Which scientist is primarily associated with the investigation of the seismic event in Greenland?
Which scientist is primarily associated with the investigation of the seismic event in Greenland?
The unusual seismic activity observed was eventually attributed to which secondary effect related to the wave dynamics?
The unusual seismic activity observed was eventually attributed to which secondary effect related to the wave dynamics?
Which of the following statements best describes seiche waves as observed in the fjord?
Which of the following statements best describes seiche waves as observed in the fjord?
What role did high-resolution sonar surveys play in understanding the seismic event?
What role did high-resolution sonar surveys play in understanding the seismic event?
Flashcards
Seismic wave
Seismic wave
A slow, constant wave recorded by earthquake sensors, unlike typical rapid and sharp readings.
Seiche
Seiche
A large-scale wave that oscillates back and forth within a confined space, caused by energy concentrated in one area.
Tsunami
Tsunami
A massive wave triggered by a landslide or earthquake, often reaching significant heights.
Sonar survey
Sonar survey
Signup and view all the flashcards
Landslide
Landslide
Signup and view all the flashcards
Fjord
Fjord
Signup and view all the flashcards
Mega-tsunami
Mega-tsunami
Signup and view all the flashcards
Seismic signal
Seismic signal
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
2023 Global Seismic Event Explained
- Earthquake sensors worldwide detected a unique, slow, and persistent seismic wave lasting nine days in September 2023.
- Unprecedented event: Scientists lacked a comparable phenomenon.
- Cause traced to a landslide and tsunami in Dickson Fjord, East Greenland.
- September 16, 2023 landslide: Mountain and glacier collapse, depositing 33 million cubic yards of debris into the fjord.
- Associated tsunami: 650-foot (198m) tall; one of the highest.
- Standing wave: A confined fjord created a seiche, a standing wave, causing continuous seismic activity.
Mechanism of the Seiche
- High-resolution sonar survey visualized the seiche phenomenon
- Narrow fjord confined, preventing the mega-tsunami wave energy from dispersing, leading to a persistent, global seismic wave.
- Similar to sloshing water in a tub, but dramatically larger scale.
- Global Seismic Effect: The contained energy of the seiche caused the Earth to shake for nine days.
Climate Change Connection
- The landslide resulted from rising temperatures melting the glacier supporting the mountain.
- Glacial melt weakened the mountain base, causing the collapse.
- Scientists suggest this is a new manifestation of climate change's impact on the Earth's crust.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
