A Puzzling Seismic Enigma Unveiled

In a groundbreaking turn of events, scientists have decoded a seismic phenomenon that left researchers scratching their heads. Last September, an unusual seismic signal, repeating every 90 seconds, was detected over nine days, reappearing a month later. What seemed like an unsolvable riddle has now revealed a shocking connection to hidden tsunamis.

The Great Meltdown

At the heart of this seismic mystery lies a melting glacier. Researchers suspect that the glacier’s meltwater triggered a landslide, resulting in massive tsunamis in an East Greenland fjord. These colossal waves became trapped in a narrow channel, ricocheting back and forth, which generated the puzzling repeated signals.

The Enigmatic Standing Waves

Known as seiches, these standing waves had never been directly observed in the fjord, even eluding a Danish military vessel that passed through the area during the seismic events. It wasn’t until a team at Oxford University utilized satellite altimetry data that the pieces of this complex puzzle began to fit together.

Revolutionising Insights with Space Technology

The game changer? The launch of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite in December 2022, designed specifically for measuring water height with pinpoint accuracy thanks to its innovative Ka-band Radar Interferometer. This advanced technology allows for a detailed analysis of water elevation, illuminating previously hidden wave activity in the fjord.

Mapping the Mystery

Employing SWOT, researchers were able to create elevation maps of the Greenland fjord post-tsunami, revealing variations in the channel’s slopes. These variations offered crucial evidence of dual water movement, aligning perfectly with known seiche behaviors.

Unlocking the Final Clue

Linking these observations to subtle crustal movements thousands of kilometers away completed the picture. This connection allowed scientists to determine wave characteristics even in the absence of direct measurements. Investigations into local weather patterns further dismissed the role of wind and tides in this puzzling event.

A Glimpse into the Future of Oceanic Research

Lead author Thomas Monahon remarked on the profound implications of their findings: "Climate change is spawning new, unseen extremes that are evolving quickly in remote areas like the Arctic. By harnessing cutting-edge satellite technologies, we can finally study these elusive processes."

Co-author Professor Thomas Adcock emphasized the innovative potential of this research, noting, "This study illustrates how next-generation satellite data can uncover mysteries previously thought unsolvable, paving the way for enhanced understanding of ocean extremes such as tsunamis, storm surges, and super waves."

A Future of Discovery Awaits

With their research published in *Nature Communications,* scientists are hopeful that further advancements in technology, coupled with machine learning and ocean physics expertise, will unlock even deeper insights into the mysteries of our oceans.