Climate Warming Causes Landslide; Alaska''s August Tsunami Last Year Was Second Highest in History
A powerful landslide in Alaska''s Tracy Arm Fjord last August triggered a tsunami that reached approximately 481 meters, making it the second highest on record. Researchers attribute the landslide primarily to climate change, which caused glaciers supporting the mountain to recede. Fortunately, the early morning timing prevented any casualties in the popular tourist area.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 12:37
- 🔍 Collected: May 7, 2026 at 13:01 (24 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 7, 2026 at 13:19 (17 min after Collected)
Central News Agency (Washington, 6th Comprehensive Foreign Report) - Tracy Arm Fjord in southeastern Alaska, known for its magnificent scenery, with narrow bays surrounded by towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciers, experienced a powerful landslide last year, triggering a massive regional tsunami. Reuters reported that researchers have now confirmed that the tsunami on August 10, 2025, was the second highest on record, with waves reaching up to approximately 481 meters, taller than the Empire State Building in New York. The tsunami powerfully swept through the entire fjord, violently scouring vegetation on the steep rock walls. Tracy Arm Fjord is a popular tourist destination. Fortunately, the tsunami occurred at 5:30 AM, and there were no cruise ships or vessels in the channel, resulting in no casualties. Researchers stated that climate change was the main cause of this landslide. The glaciers that originally supported the mountain gradually receded due to rising temperatures, ultimately leading to the loss of support for the rocks and their collapse. Dan Shugar, a geomorphologist at the University of Calgary, stated in a study published today in the journal ''Science'': ''It was incredibly fortunate that this landslide happened in the early morning. Next time, and there will certainly be a next time—we might not be so lucky.'' Such regions are bearing the most direct impact of climate change. As there were no photos or video records of the tsunami, scientists reconstructed the entire event through aerial photos taken afterwards, satellite and seismic data, on-site field investigations, and descriptions from people nearby at the time. (Compiler: Chen Yuting) 1150507 Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom. Download the Central News Agency ''First-hand News'' APP to stay updated with the latest news. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.