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Early on Sunday morning, something unexpected shook the Endicott Arm region of Alaska, not far from Juneau. A massive landslide triggered a local tsunami, sending waves crashing up to about 15 feet high. Imagine being out on your boat, just enjoying the scenery, when suddenly you’re faced with this wild phenomenon! That’s exactly what happened to some kayakers camping near Harbor Island.
They lost most of their gear but thankfully made it back to Juneau unharmed.
What Happened with the Tsunami?
Eyewitnesses reported that waves in the Harbor Island area peaked between 10 and 15 feet. As authorities took a closer look, the National Park Service uncovered something even more startling: a tsunami that reached heights of up to 100 feet had swept through, uprooting trees from the rocky slopes of Sawyer Island.
This situation raises a lot of questions, especially since no earthquakes were recorded in the area that could have caused such a dramatic response.
Ezgi Karasözen, a research scientist at the Alaska Earthquake Center, explained that the landslide occurred outside their usual detection zone.
Using a specialized landslide characterization algorithm, she pinpointed a massive landslide as the tsunami’s source. Initial assessments suggest it originated near the South Sawyer Glacier, with an estimated volume exceeding 100 million cubic meters. That’s a lot of earth!
Seismic Activity and Its Impact
The Alaska Earthquake Center has labeled this landslide and tsunami incident as potentially the largest of its kind in Alaska since 2015. What’s even more remarkable is that seismic activity related to the event was detected by monitoring stations over 600 miles away! A flyover by the U.S.
Coast Guard revealed a landscape marked by extensive debris and a clear path of destruction down the mountainside, showcasing just how powerful this event was.
Interestingly, there were reports of small earthquakes rumbling in the area for over 18 hours leading up to the landslide.
Could these have been warning signs? Fortunately, the National Weather Service in Juneau confirmed that there were no injuries or structural damage caused by the tsunami.
Staying Prepared for the Future
In the wake of this natural event, Juneau is on high alert for potential overflow from a glacial lake linked to the Mendenhall Glacier. Local authorities have taken proactive measures, evacuating residents to safeguard the community against possible flooding. With the geology of this region being so active, it’s a crucial reminder of the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness for future events.
Reflecting on this incident, it highlights the sheer power of nature and the importance of staying vigilant against geological threats. The Alaska Earthquake Center is continuing to analyze the situation, gathering data that will enhance our understanding and improve safety measures for the future. After all, as we’ve seen, being prepared can make all the difference.
