Melting Glacier Triggers 500m Tsunami in Alaska
A massive rockslide in Alaska's Tracy Arm fjord caused a tsunami reaching 481 meters high, the second tallest ever recorded. Discover how climate change played a crucial role in this near-miss disaster.
The Unprecedented Tsunami Event
On August 10, 2025, a colossal rock wedge weighing 63.5 million cubic meters detached from a mountain and plunged into the waters of Alaska’s Tracy Arm fjord. This event generated an initial wave of 100 meters that surged across the fjord at speeds over 70 meters per second, ultimately reaching a staggering height of 481 meters upon hitting the opposite shore. Remarkably, this was the second highest tsunami ever recorded, yet it went largely unnoticed due to its timing in the early morning hours, resulting in no reported injuries or fatalities.
# The Role of Climate Change
The source of this catastrophic wave was a steep rock wedge, previously stabilized by the South Sawyer Glacier, which has been retreating due to climate change. Researchers found that the glacier's thinning, exacerbated by a 1.1° C increase in regional temperatures since 1875, significantly contributed to the rockslide. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by climate-driven disasters, as similar events could have devastating consequences in the future.
- Key Facts:
- 63.5 million cubic meters of rock fell into the fjord.
- The tsunami reached 481 meters high.
- Climate change is increasing the risk of such events.