In a recent study, it was revealed that a massive tsunami, reaching a height of 481 meters, was triggered by the collapse of millions of tons of rock into an Alaskan fiord last year. This event, occurring in Tracy Arm Fjord, underscores the potential catastrophic impact of such waves and emphasizes the need for policymakers, especially in British Columbia, to prioritize the risk associated with them.
The research, led by Dan Shugar from the University of Calgary, highlights that the tsunami in Alaska near the northwest B.C. border was likely a result of a glacier’s rapid retreat, which diverted the landslide’s path. The study, published in Science journal, warns that as global warming continues and infrastructure development, including cruise ship tourism, expands in the region, the threat of landslide-triggered fiord tsunamis is on the rise.
The incident, which took place at 5:26 a.m. on Aug. 10 last year, involved a landslide of over 64 million cubic meters plunging 1,000 meters into Tracy Arm Fjord. The resulting tsunami had the second-highest wave run-up ever recorded, with an onshore height of approximately 481 meters.
While the fiord usually welcomes multiple cruise ships daily, the study notes that the potential impact on these vessels could have been devastating. Fortunately, as the cruise ship present at the time was not in the tsunami’s path, a major maritime disaster was averted.
Aram Fathian, a co-author of the study, highlighted the significance of early warning systems, pointing out that seismic activity preceded the landslide. This data could be crucial for future disaster prevention efforts.
The research also indicates the role of human-induced climate change in events like this, with glacier retreats being a key factor. Shugar likened the landslide to a child clearing their closet, illustrating how changes in glaciers can trigger such natural disasters.
While Shugar does not advocate for a ban on cruise ships and tankers in the region, he stresses the importance of assessing and monitoring slope hazards to mitigate risks effectively. Fathian emphasized the need for policymakers to consider the findings at a national level to enhance preparedness and response measures.
Overall, the study serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by landslide-triggered tsunamis and the importance of proactive measures to safeguard coastal communities and marine activities in the face of evolving environmental conditions.