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Mysterious Signal Linked to Greenland Landslide Highlights Climate Change Impact
A mysterious global signal was linked to a massive landslide in Greenland, revealing the effects of climate change.
Photo Credit: Pixabay/makabera
As global temperatures rise, landslides and tsunamis in polar regions could become more frequent
Highlights
- Mysterious signal lasted nine days, traced to Greenland landslide
- Landslide caused 200-metre waves and ongoing seiche in the fjord
- Climate change linked to glacier thinning and increased landslide risks
In September 2023, scientists monitoring seismic activities worldwide detected an unusual signal. This signal, distinct from the typical earthquake rumble, resonated as a continuous hum, maintaining a singular frequency. For nine consecutive days, this hum echoed across the globe, spanning from the Arctic to Antarctica, leaving researchers baffled. Initially classified as a “USO” — an unidentified seismic object — the source of the signal was eventually identified. A colossal landslide in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord was responsible for the mysterious hum. The event involved a massive amount of rock and ice, enough to fill approximately 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, plummeting into the fjord. This caused a mega-tsunami, with waves towering up to 200 metres, double the height of London’s iconic Big Ben.
The Landslide's Source
The landslide was directly linked to the ongoing effects of climate change. Due to the thinning of a nearby glacier, the fjord's stability had been compromised. The glacier had lost tens of metres in thickness over decades, leading to a weakened structure. When the mountain finally gave way, the sheer force of the collapse generated seismic waves that reverberated around the planet.
Implications of the Event
In their study published in Science, the research team noted that the signal was created by standing waves within the fjord caused by the rockslide. These findings underscore the cascading and hazardous feedback loops between the Earth’s ice, water, and land systems as the climate continues to warm.
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