Podcast
Questions and Answers
What unusual characteristic was observed in the seismic readings during the event?
What unusual characteristic was observed in the seismic readings during the event?
- The readings showed a slow, constant wave. (correct)
- The readings were sharp and quick.
- The readings were completely absent.
- The readings occurred sporadically.
How long did the seismic activity last after the landslide was triggered?
How long did the seismic activity last after the landslide was triggered?
- Two weeks
- Nine days (correct)
- One day
- Three days
What was one major consequence of the mountain and glacier collapse in the Dickson Fjord?
What was one major consequence of the mountain and glacier collapse in the Dickson Fjord?
- Formation of a new glacier
- A series of minor earthquakes
- A tsunami of 650 feet tall (correct)
- Immediate evacuation of nearby areas
What phenomenon explained the continued shaking of the Earth for nine days?
What phenomenon explained the continued shaking of the Earth for nine days?
What was ultimately determined to be the cause of the landslide?
What was ultimately determined to be the cause of the landslide?
What did the scientists use to gain insight into the event in the Dickson Fjord?
What did the scientists use to gain insight into the event in the Dickson Fjord?
What aspect of the fjord contributed to the seismic activity?
What aspect of the fjord contributed to the seismic activity?
Who is Dr. Stephen Hicks and what did he explain regarding the landslide?
Who is Dr. Stephen Hicks and what did he explain regarding the landslide?
Flashcards
Slow Seismic Wave
Slow Seismic Wave
A seismic wave that is slow and continuous, unlike the sharp and quick waves typical of earthquakes.
Seiche
Seiche
A standing wave that forms in a confined space, like a fjord, when a wave is reflected back on itself.
Tsunami
Tsunami
A massive wave caused by a sudden displacement of water, often triggered by a landslide or earthquake.
Landslide
Landslide
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Glacier Margin
Glacier Margin
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Geology
Geology
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Seismology
Seismology
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Global Warming
Global Warming
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Study Notes
Mysterious Global Seismic Event of 2023
- Earthquake sensors worldwide detected a slow, persistent seismic wave lasting nine days in mid-September 2023.
- This unusual behavior contrasted with typical, quick earthquake signals.
- Dr. Kristian Svennevig, a geologist, noted the absence of comparable events in geological records.
Source and Trigger of the Event
- The seismic signal originated in the Dickson Fjord region.
- A large-scale mountain and glacier collapse on September 16, 2023, triggered the event.
- The collapse released approximately 33 million cubic yards of rock and ice (enough to fill 10,000 Olympic-sized pools).
- This triggered a 650-foot-tall tsunami, one of the highest in recent history.
Standing Wave Phenomenon (Seiche)
- Scientists determined that the long-lasting seismic signal resulted from a confined mega-tsunami in the Dickson Fjord.
- The narrow fjord forced the tsunami wave to travel back and forth, creating a standing wave—a seiche.
- This phenomenon is analogous to water sloshing in a bathtub or pool on a vastly larger scale.
- The confined nature of the fjord prevented the wave from dissipating its energy easily.
Climate Change Connection
- The mountain and glacier collapse are linked to rising temperatures in Greenland.
- The rising temperatures melted the supporting glacier, weakening the mountain's stability and causing it to fall into the fjord.
- For the first time according to Dr. Hicks, there is substantial global impact from climate change-induced geological events..
Research Findings
- Scientists published their findings in a September 2024 issue of the journal Science.
- Their research highlighted the connection between climate change and the massive, global-scale seismic event.
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Description
Explore the extraordinary seismic event that occurred in September 2023, marked by a persistent seismic wave detected worldwide. Triggered by a significant mountain and glacier collapse, this phenomenon led to a colossal tsunami and created a unique standing wave effect. Discover the implications and details surrounding this mysterious geological event.
