Seismic detectors around the world picked up a mysterious signal in September 2023, which was later confirmed to be caused by standing waves, or seiches, triggered by massive tsunamis in a narrow waterway off the coast of Greenland. Researchers at the University of Oxford used satellite altimetry data to construct images of the seiches, demonstrating their origin from landslide-triggered mega-tsunamis. Climate change is likely to increase the frequency of such events, making continued investments in advanced satellite missions essential for monitoring and responding to them.
Forecast for 6 months: Increased monitoring of fjords and waterways around the world for signs of similar seiches, with a focus on areas prone to climate change-induced landslides.
Forecast for 1 year: Development of more advanced satellite missions capable of detecting and tracking seiches in real-time, allowing for faster response times and more effective mitigation strategies.
Forecast for 5 years: Widespread adoption of early warning systems for tsunamigenic landslides, with a focus on communities in high-risk areas, such as those near glaciers and fjords.
Forecast for 10 years: Significant reduction in the number of tsunamigenic landslides and associated seiches, thanks to improved monitoring and mitigation strategies, as well as a decrease in global greenhouse gas emissions.
