Global Seismic Shockwaves: 650-Foot Mega-Tsunami from Greenland’s Dickson Fjord Unleashes Unprecedented Earthquake-Like Pulses Worldwide

Michael Schneider

By Michael SchneiderPublished June 9, 2025

Illustration of a massive mega-tsunami in Greenland's Dickson Fjord, sending seismic waves worldwide (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

The world was taken by surprise when a massive geological event unfolded along Greenland’s eastern edge, sending seismic signals across the globe. This unprecedented occurrence was linked to a colossal landslide in Dickson Fjord, where millions of cubic yards of rock plunged into the water, creating a mega-tsunami. The impact was so powerful that it set off a unique seismic pattern, shaking the Earth’s crust from Alaska to Australia. This article delves into the details of this extraordinary event, its implications, and the scientific efforts made to understand it.

The Unfolding of a Geological Phenomenon

On September 16, 2023, a section of the mountain in Dickson Fjord gave way, releasing over 25 million cubic yards of rock and ice. This immense mass, comparable to filling 10,000 Olympic-size swimming pools, crashed into the fjord, generating a tsunami wave rising to an astonishing height of 650 feet. The ensuing wave surged through the fjord, reflecting off its walls, creating a phenomenon known as a seiche. This continuous rocking motion sent seismic waves—unlike any typical earthquake—around the world.

The seismic activity was detected by instruments globally, which recorded a slow, rhythmic pulse every 92 seconds. This pattern persisted for nine days, a testament to the energy released by the landslide. Such prolonged seismic activity from a seiche had never been observed before, making this event a landmark in geological studies.

Scientific Investigation and Global Collaboration

This rare event attracted the attention of over 70 researchers from 41 institutions globally, all eager to decipher the mystery behind the seismic signals. Scientists from various fields collaborated, utilizing satellite imagery, computer modeling, and field measurements to reconstruct the landslide and its effects on the fjord. The international effort was crucial in understanding the dynamics of the event.

Field teams measured fresh gouges on the cliffs, while supercomputers simulated the avalanche’s path and the fjord’s response. These models revealed that the landslide-driven wave was the source of the seismic signature. This interdisciplinary approach highlighted the necessity for collaborative research to solve complex geophysical puzzles, revealing the intricacies of Earth’s dynamic systems.

Climate Change’s Role in Geological Instability

The landslide at Dickson Fjord underscores the broader impact of climate change on geological stability. Greenland’s glaciers, once natural buttresses, are retreating due to rising air and ocean temperatures, leaving slopes vulnerable to collapse. This event is a stark reminder of how climate change is reshaping Earth’s natural processes, potentially leading to more frequent and intense geological events.

In 2017, a similar instability triggered a deadly tsunami in Karrat Fjord, which destroyed homes and claimed lives. As Arctic travel grows and more people traverse these remote regions, understanding and mitigating these risks becomes increasingly critical. Authorities are now exploring early-warning systems that integrate satellite data with real-time seismic information to safeguard lives and infrastructure.

Technological Advances in Monitoring Earth’s Dynamics

The Dickson Fjord event showcases the advancements in satellite technology that are transforming our understanding of oceanic and geological processes. Traditional radar altimeters have been limited in their ability to monitor vast, remote areas, but the recent launch of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission marks a significant advancement. SWOT maps wide swaths of the Earth’s surface with high resolution, providing detailed insights into places like fjords, which have long posed challenges for earlier technologies.

This technological leap allows scientists to study phenomena such as tsunamis, storm surges, and rogue waves with unprecedented detail. The data collected is invaluable for refining models and predictions, enhancing our ability to respond to natural disasters. As we continue to push the boundaries of satellite technology and data analysis, the question remains: how will these innovations shape our understanding of Earth’s ever-changing landscape?

The Dickson Fjord mega-tsunami serves as a reminder of the dynamic and interconnected nature of Earth’s systems. It highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary research and advanced technology in deciphering complex natural phenomena. As we face the challenges posed by climate change and increasing human activity in remote regions, how will we adapt our scientific and technological approaches to better predict and mitigate such events in the future?

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Michael Schneider

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is a multidisciplinary storyteller who enjoys exploring the intersection of ideas across culture, economy, health, science, and beyond. He has a keen eye for detail and a knack for turning complex topics into engaging, accessible reads. Whether covering the latest research, a social movement, or a shift in global dynamics, Ethan approaches every subject with balance, clarity, and a sense of wonder.

9 comments

  • sophie_elysium

    How effective are the new early-warning systems going to be in remote areas?

  • Why was the seismic pattern every 92 seconds? That’s such a specific number.

  • Awesome write-up! Are there any videos of the wave itself? Would love to see it in action!

  • AbigailOracle

    650-foot wave? That’s taller than most skyscrapers! Imagine surfing that! 🏄‍♂️

  • Does this mean we could see more tsunamis like this if climate change continues? Scary stuff!

  • Can someone explain what a seiche is in simpler terms? I’m a bit lost here.

  • Is this the first time we’ve seen such seismic activity from a tsunami? I’ve never heard of anything like it before.

  • SophiaRadiance

    Thank you for the detailed article! It’s amazing how technology has advanced to detect these events globally.

  • pipervoyager

    Wow, this is mind-blowing! 😮 How are scientists planning to prevent such events in the future?

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