Podcast
Questions and Answers
What key observation initially distinguished the seismic event of September 2023 from typical earthquake readings, prompting further investigation?
What key observation initially distinguished the seismic event of September 2023 from typical earthquake readings, prompting further investigation?
- The epicenter's location in a previously stable geological region.
- The presence of both primary (P-waves) and secondary (S-waves) with atypical amplitudes.
- The extended duration of the seismic waves, lasting nine consecutive days. (correct)
- The unusually high magnitude recorded on the Richter scale.
How did the confined geographical characteristics of the Dickson Fjord contribute to the prolonged seismic activity following the landslide?
How did the confined geographical characteristics of the Dickson Fjord contribute to the prolonged seismic activity following the landslide?
- The fjord's depth amplified the initial impact of the landslide, creating stronger shockwaves.
- The surrounding mountains redirected seismic waves, causing them to reverberate for an extended period.
- The narrow shape facilitated the formation of a seiche, concentrating energy and prolonging the shaking. (correct)
- The fjord's unique bedrock composition resonated with the frequency of the tsunami waves.
What evidence directly linked the seismic event to a significant geological occurrence within the Dickson Fjord?
What evidence directly linked the seismic event to a significant geological occurrence within the Dickson Fjord?
- Analysis of core samples revealing unusual rock strata displacement.
- Detection of anomalous geothermal activity preceding the seismic disturbances.
- Measurements of increased methane emissions indicating destabilization of permafrost.
- Satellite imagery and photographic evidence of a substantial landslide involving a mountain and glacier collapse. (correct)
What specific mechanism caused the mega-tsunami in Dickson Fjord to shake the Earth for an extended period?
What specific mechanism caused the mega-tsunami in Dickson Fjord to shake the Earth for an extended period?
According to the scientists, what underlying environmental factor contributed to the landslide event in Greenland?
According to the scientists, what underlying environmental factor contributed to the landslide event in Greenland?
Besides the immediate geographical location, what broader implication does this event suggest, according to Dr. Hicks?
Besides the immediate geographical location, what broader implication does this event suggest, according to Dr. Hicks?
What data source provided crucial evidence about the behavior of the tsunami wave within the Dickson Fjord?
What data source provided crucial evidence about the behavior of the tsunami wave within the Dickson Fjord?
How did the volume of rock and ice deposited into the fjord during the landslide compare to a commonly used measurement?
How did the volume of rock and ice deposited into the fjord during the landslide compare to a commonly used measurement?
Why was the energy from the tsunami unable to dissipate effectively?
Why was the energy from the tsunami unable to dissipate effectively?
What specific type of wave, created by the mega-tsunami within the confined space of the fjord, contributed to the prolonged shaking?
What specific type of wave, created by the mega-tsunami within the confined space of the fjord, contributed to the prolonged shaking?
Flashcards
Mysterious Seismic Event (2023)
Mysterious Seismic Event (2023)
A slow, constant wave detected by earthquake sensors worldwide, lasting nine consecutive days.
Dr. Kristian Svennevig
Dr. Kristian Svennevig
A geologist at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland who led the international team investigating the seismic event.
Dickson Fjord
Dickson Fjord
The location in East Greenland where a landslide and tsunami triggered the mysterious seismic event.
Landslide Volume
Landslide Volume
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Mega-Tsunami
Mega-Tsunami
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Seiche
Seiche
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Dr. Stephen Hicks
Dr. Stephen Hicks
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Cause of Landslide
Cause of Landslide
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Study Notes
- In mid-September 2023, unusual seismic activity was recorded worldwide, differing from typical earthquakes with its slow, constant wave pattern lasting nine consecutive days.
- Dr. Kristian Svennevig, a geologist, noted the uniqueness of the event, stating there was nothing comparable to it.
- A year-long investigation by an international team of 68 scientists, led by Dr. Svennevig, identified the cause as a landslide and tsunami in an East Greenland fjord.
- The seismic signal was traced to the Dickson Fjord, where a mountain and glacier collapse occurred on September 16, 2023.
- Approximately 33 million cubic yards of rock and ice, enough to fill 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, were dumped into the fjord.
- The collapse triggered a 650-foot-tall (198 m) tsunami, ranking among the highest in recent history.
- A high-resolution sonar survey by the Danish Navy revealed that the mega-tsunami wave traveled back and forth within the narrow fjord, creating a seiche (standing wave).
- The concentrated energy of the rolling wave caused the Earth to shake for nine days, similar to water sloshing in a bathtub but on a much larger scale.
- Dr. Stephen Hicks, a seismologist, explained that the fjord's complex system prevented the wave's energy from dissipating, as the landslide occurred 200 km inland from the open ocean.
- The scientists' findings were published in the September 2024 issue of the journal, Science.
- The landslide resulted from rising temperatures in Greenland, which melted the glacier at the base of the mountain.
- Dr. Hicks indicated that the melting glacier weakened the mountain's support, leading to its collapse and highlighting the impact of climate change on these areas.
- Dr. Hicks believes this event is the first instance where a climate change event has impacted the Earth's crust worldwide.
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