According to a recent study, a renowned tourist destination in Alaska was struck by a massive tsunami last year that was 1.5 times larger than the Eiffel Tower.
On August 10, 2025, a tsunami that was 1,578 feet (481 meters) high surged along the Tracy Arm fjord wall.
This makes it the second-highest tsunami ever recorded, only surpassed by the 1,720-foot (524-meter) tsunami that struck Lityua Bay, Alaska, in 1958.
Despite the fact that cruise ships frequently visit Tracy Arm, the wave struck early in the morning, at around 5.30am, and fortunately no one was caught.
According to UCL researchers, the landslip that caused the tsunami was ultimately caused by climate change. “Fjords with retreating glaciers have seen a sharp increase in tourism,” co-author Dr Stephen Hicks explained. “More people are visiting these beautiful places in the polar and sub-polar regions but they are at the forefront of climate change impacts and so can be dangerous.” “This event took everyone by surprise.” It had not been determined that the region was dangerous.
According to a recent study, a renowned tourist destination in Alaska was struck by a massive tsunami last year that was 1.5 times larger than the Eiffel Tower. Take note of the trimline along the fjord’s far edge, which was created after the tsunami stripped the walls of any vegetation.
On August 10, 2025, a tsunami that was 1,578 feet (481 meters) high surged along the Tracy Arm fjord wall. This makes it the second-highest tsunami ever recorded, only surpassed by the 1,720-foot (524-meter) tsunami that struck Lityua Bay, Alaska, in 1958.
Although no one was caught in the wave, a number of eyewitnesses provided information that was utilised to put together exactly what happened, together with data from seismometers and satellites and numerical modelling.
The researchers claim that the glacier supporting the mountain had quickly receded, dropping 500 meters in just a few weeks, leaving the rock unsupported.
An big wave was created in the lake below as the rock fell into it.
The fjord’s walls were left with a sheer rock face after the wave wiped away trees and vegetation.
Because of this, the researchers were able to estimate the wave’s height at 1,578 feet (481 meters) for more than 0.6 miles (1 km).
A group of kayakers who had set up camp farther down the fjord stated that when they woke up at around 5:45 in the morning, water was streaming past their tent, taking several of their belongings and one of their boats.
A two-meter wave was seen approaching the beach, according to another witness.
A cruise ship anchored close to the fjord’s mouth observed currents and white water, but no discernible wave.
Although no one was caught in the wave, there were a number of eyewitnesses whose testimonies were combined with data from seismometers and satellites, as well as numerical models, to put together exactly what transpired.
The researchers claim that the glacier supporting the mountain had quickly receded, dropping 500 meters in just a few weeks, leaving the rock unsupported.
The experts calculate that the quantity of granite that fell into the water was equal to 24 Great Pyramids of Giza given the magnitude of the tsunami.
Lead author Dr. Dan Shugar of the University of Calgary stated: “These massive rock avalanches typically give some sort of warning signs in the weeks, months, or years prior when the slope is slowly moving down the mountain.”
It is sagging, and suddenly a rock avalanche causes it to collapse catastrophically.
“That didn’t happen in this instance.”
The researchers claim that immediate action is required to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy because of the site’s popularity.
Dr. Hicks clarified, “We need to lower the risk of these expeditions by better identifying the riskiest areas and getting investment into warning systems that might give us a few hours’ or days’ notice of a potentially catastrophic event.”
In retrospect, there were a few red flags.
The days and hours leading up to the landslip saw an increase in the frequency of little earthquakes, indicating that this mass of rock was beginning to fracture.
The amount of rock that crashed into the water was estimated by the researchers to be equal to 24 Great Pyramids of Giza due to the size of the tsunami. “Many seismic monitoring stations provide data in real-time, so this gives us some optimism that we can turn what we have learned into a warning system.”
At least six cruise lines have had to alter their itineraries thus far this year in order to avoid the Tracy Arm fjord.
“In the end, we hope that coastal municipalities, the cruise ship industry, and other stakeholders take these threats seriously,” Dr. Shugar continued.
The announcement follows scientists’ warning that a tsunami is “overdue” on the French Riviera.
There is a “100%” probability, according to experts, that a massive wave will form in the Mediterranean Sea during the next 30 years.
In as little as ten minutes from the trigger, the tsunami could strike France’s southern shore, wreaking havoc on the tens of thousands of summertime visitors.
A tsunami, also known as a tidal wave or a seismic sea wave, is a sequence of enormous waves produced by an oceanic disturbance.
A landslip, a volcanic eruption, an earthquake, or a meteorite could cause the disturbance; an earthquake is typically the culprit.
Residents may notice the consequences of a landslip or earthquake that causes a tsunami very instantly if it happens close to the coast.
Before a government or other organization has time to give a warning, the first wave of the tsunami may reach in a matter of minutes.
The likelihood of being impacted by waves is greatest in areas nearer sea level.
Researchers have discovered that tsunamis can be caused by a layer of microscopic organism remnants at the ocean’s bottom (file photo).
The most hazardous are those that are fewer than 25 feet above sea level.
Drowning is the most common cause of death linked to tsunamis. Flooding, fires, and contaminated drinking water are additional risks.
Seismic data is typically the only basis for initial tsunami warnings.
In the event that they receive a tsunami warning, residents of coastal areas that may be vulnerable to a tsunami are advised to follow evacuation routes.
To avoid the water, they should go inland right away or look for higher terrain.
