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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?
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?
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?
What measurement describes the height of the tsunami triggered by the landslide?
What measurement describes the height of the tsunami triggered by the landslide?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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Description
Explore the unprecedented seismic event detected in September 2023, which featured a unique slow wave lasting nine days. This phenomenon was triggered by a colossal landslide and tsunami in East Greenland's Dickson Fjord, resulting in a significant global seismic impact. Understand the mechanics behind the seiche phenomenon that confined the energy and caused continuous seismic activity.
