In 2023, strange seismic signals were detected in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord. Initially thought to be a seiche—waves trapped in a body of water—scientists struggled to confirm their origin. The story unfolds with a landslide triggered by a megatsunami, which stirred up these waves.
For nine days, the Earth released seismic pulses every 90 seconds. The signals first appeared in September, vanished, and then returned in October. These events highlighted the influence of natural disasters on seismic activity, demonstrating the connection between extreme weather and geological events.
NASA’s Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite played a crucial role in unraveling this mystery. Researchers, including Thomas Monahan from Oxford University, used high-resolution data from SWOT to prove that the signals were indeed from a seiche caused by the megatsunami. This satellite’s advanced technology provided insights that previous instruments couldn’t capture.
A seiche can occur in lakes or enclosed waters, where water sloshes back and forth after a disturbance. The tsunami from the landslide generated enough pressure shifts to create these oscillations, which can last for hours or even days. The suitability of the SWOT satellite for this kind of research marks a significant step in understanding these phenomena.
Historically, studies of similar events faced limitations. Many satellites previously failed to observe critical changes in water levels. The SWOT satellite’s unique positioning allowed for more accurate readings and a clearer picture of how such natural events unfold.
The findings underscore the importance of advanced satellite technology in current environmental research. As Monahan noted, the SWOT satellite is a game changer for studying oceanic processes, particularly in hard-to-reach areas like fjords. This research not only adds to our understanding but opens new doors for further exploration of complex natural systems.
In the social media space, users expressed fascination with the discovery, leading to discussions about climate change and its impacts. This sense of wonder reflects a growing public interest in the science behind natural disasters and their connections to broader environmental issues.
For more details, the complete study can be found in Nature Communications, highlighting how innovative technology is transforming our understanding of our planet.
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Dickson Fjord, SWOT, Thomas Monahan, standing wave, weather extremes, seismic data, weather phenomena, trapped water, Satellite observations
