Mysterious Global Seismic Event September 2023

What unique characteristic did the seismic event have compared to typical earthquakes?

How long did the seismic signal continue after the landslide occurred?

What triggered the massive tsunami after the landslide?

What phenomenon was created due to the interaction of the tsunami wave in the fjord?

What was the height of the tsunami triggered by the landslide?

What caused the glacier to lose its ability to support the mountain leading to the landslide?

What main challenge did scientists face when trying to understand the seismic signal?

What logistical factor in the fjord contributed to the persistence of the seismic event?

Mysterious Global Seismic Event of September 2023

Unusual seismic activity detected worldwide in mid-September 2023
The seismic signal, unlike typical earthquakes, was a slow, constant wave lasting nine days
The source of the signal was traced to the Dickson Fjord region after the collapse of a mountain and glacier on September 16, 2023.
The collapse released approximately 33 million cubic yards of rock and ice, capable of filling 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools
The event triggered a 650-foot-tall tsunami, one of the highest recently recorded
The prolonged seismic activity couldn't be fully explained by the tsunami alone

Mechanism of the Prolonged Seismic Activity

High-resolution sonar surveys by the Danish Navy revealed a seiche - a standing wave
- The confined space of the fjord caused the tsunami wave to bounce back and forth, generating a resonant seiche
- This concentrated energy, causing the Earth to shake for nine days.
A seiche is analogous to water sloshing in a bathtub or swimming pool, but on a much larger scale
The landslide occurred inland from the open ocean. The fjord's complex structure prevented energy dissipation

Climate Change Link

The mountain collapse was linked to rising temperatures in Greenland melting glacier supporting the mountain, leading to instability
Rising temperatures caused the glacial melt, destabilizing the mountain, and subsequently triggering the landslide.
The event may represent a significant global impact of climate change on the Earth's crust

This quiz delves into the unusual seismic activities detected worldwide in mid-September 2023. It explores the origins and implications of a prolonged seismic signal linked to a mountain and glacier collapse in the Dickson Fjord region. Test your knowledge on this fascinating geological phenomenon and its aftermath.