Washington State: Assessing the Risk of Cataclysmic Tsunamis

Tsunami warning signs.Photo byJeffrey ThümannonUnsplash

In September 2023, earthquake scientists detected some unusual signals on their monitoring stations. These stations are used to detect seismic activity around the world. The sensors showed that large landslides were occurring and it caused a ripple effect around the world. This effect lasted for nine days. The discovery of this event was just recently published in the journal of science.

The event itself occurred in Greenland and was classified as a “USO” or an unidentified seismic object. Eventually, it was traced to Greenland’s remote Dickson Fjord where a landslide displaced a staggering amount of rock and ice. This was enough to fill 10,000 Olympic sized swimming pools, plunging directly into the fjord. The event triggered a 200-meter-high-mega tsunami referred to as a seiche or a wave in the fjord that sloshed back and forth at least 10,000 times over the next nine days.

The recent identification of unstable slopes in Greenland and Alaska raises concerns about potential tsunamis that could impact regions like Washington State. If these slopes were to collapse, they could trigger massive landslides into the ocean, generating tsunamis that might reach distant shores.

A skyscraper-sized tsunami could indeed send vibrations through the Earth, affecting seismographs worldwide. This is due to the immense energy released during such an event. Even if the tsunami is generated far away, the effects could be felt in coastal areas of Washington State, which is already vulnerable to seismic activity due to its proximity to tectonic plate boundaries.

The combination of unstable geological features and the region's existing vulnerabilities highlights the need for increased monitoring and preparedness in Washington. Understanding these risks can help inform disaster response strategies and community safety measures.

On August 26, 2009, a similar seismic event occurred at Porcupine Bay, located just off Highway 25, headed North toward Lake Roosevelt. The event caused a sizable landslide that created a tsunami that washed several people out into the bay and caused the campground to have to close for a time while docks were repaired and other repairs were made.

With global warming more glaciers are beginning to melt and dislodge large portions into the oceans around the world. The potential future effects of a cataclysmic tsunami event, particularly one generated by landslides in unstable regions like Greenland or Alaska, could be severe and multifaceted.

Here are some potential effects that Washington State could expect should another seismic event like the one in September of 2023.

Coastal Destruction Areas along the Washington coast could experience devastating flooding, with infrastructure, homes, and businesses at risk of destruction. The force of the tsunami could cause significant damage even far inland. Most tsunamis can go inland as far as a mile; however, these “mega tsunami” waves have the potential to ripple effect throughout the entire world just as they did in September 2023.

Loss of Life In densely populated coastal areas, the immediate impact could lead to tragic loss of life. Evacuation routes might be compromised, making timely escape challenging if possible at all. Inland residents could also be adversely affected due to the sheer magnitude of the seismic event.

Economic Disruption The economic consequences could be profound, affecting local such as fishing, tourism, and shipping industries. Reconstruction costs could run into billions, straining local and state economies.

Environmental Impact Ecosystems along the coast could suffer from saltwater intrusion, habitat destruction, and debris and hazardous materials pollution. Marine life would also be affected, disrupting food chains.

Infrastructure Strain Transportation networks, utilities, and emergency services could be overwhelmed, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Long-term infrastructure repair would be necessary.

Psychological Effects The trauma of such an event could lead to long-lasting psychological effects on survivors, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Climate and Geophysical Studies Understanding the interplay between climate change, sea-level rise, and geological stability could become a priority, influencing future research agendas and policy-making.

Global Response and Cooperation The global implications of such a disaster might foster international collaboration on disaster preparedness, climate change mitigation, and environmental protection efforts.

Overall, the ramifications of a large tsunami event would be extensive, underscoring the importance of preparedness and resilience planning in vulnerable regions. While this information wasn’t delivered to the population in a timely manner, the article in the journal of science does give more specifics about the event.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think that the world should have been notified of such an event in a more timely fashion? Would it have done us any good to have known what was happening? Did this story resonate with you? Consider sharing on social media and ignite conversations that can make a difference.

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