In September 2023, an intriguing seismic signal emerged, repeating every 90 seconds for 9 days, sparking curiosity and confusion. Months later, the signal resurfaced, leading to a groundbreaking discovery.

Two scientific studies in 2024 shed light on the chain of events triggered by a melting glacier, culminating in massive tsunamis in an East Greenland fjord. The resulting standing waves, known as seiches, bounced back and forth in the narrow channel, generating the enigmatic pulse.

The Hidden Waves

Seiches, initially identified in Lake Geneva in 1890, had never been directly observed in the fjord until now. Advanced data analysis using satellite altimetry data unveiled the existence of these waves, offering a new perspective on the phenomenon.

An Eye in Space

The launch of the SWOT satellite in December 2022 revolutionized water height measurement. Utilizing the Ka-band Radar Interferometer, researchers obtained detailed elevation maps of the Greenland fjord, revealing significant height variations indicative of seiche behavior.

By correlating these findings with distant crustal movements, the team deciphered wave characteristics, ruling out wind or tides as potential causes. Lead author Thomas Monahon emphasized the importance of leveraging satellite technology to study climate change-induced extremes in remote regions like the Arctic.

Commenting on the Seismic Mystery

Professor Thomas Adcock highlighted the significance of utilizing machine learning and ocean physics knowledge to interpret new satellite data insights. The study, published in Nature Communications, marks a milestone in understanding oceanic phenomena.

Source: The Debrief