Massive Alaska Megatsunami Was Second Largest Ever Recorded

Massive Alaska Megatsunami Was Second Largest Ever Recorded

A gigantic Alaska Megatsunami 2025 triggered by a collapsing mountainside in Alaska has officially become the second largest megatsunami ever recorded, according to new scientific research. The enormous wave, which struck the remote Tracy Arm Fjord last summer, reached an estimated height of nearly 500 metres after millions of cubic metres of rock crashed into the sea. Scientists say the event highlights growing dangers linked to melting glaciers and climate change.

Source: BBC News Report

What Caused the Alaska Megatsunami?

Researchers found that approximately 64 million cubic metres of rock suddenly collapsed from a mountain into the fjord in less than a minute. The landslide created an enormous displacement of water, generating a massive wave powerful enough to destroy trees, scar mountainsides, and leave widespread damage across the remote region. Scientists compared the amount of falling rock to nearly 24 Great Pyramids collapsing into the sea at once.

Nearly 500-Metre-High Wave Recorded

The megatsunami wave reached almost 500 metres in height, making it the second largest ever documented. Unlike traditional tsunamis triggered by earthquakes in the open ocean, megatsunamis are usually caused by landslides crashing into enclosed bodies of water such as fjords or lakes. These waves are extremely destructive locally but lose energy more quickly than ocean-wide tsunamis. The largest megatsunami ever recorded occurred in Alaska during the 1950s and exceeded 500 metres.

Cruise Ships Narrowly Avoided Disaster

Scientists revealed the disaster could have been far worse if tourist cruise ships had been present in the fjord at the time. Bretwood Higman, who visited the site weeks later, described the incident as a “close call”. He warned that people were dangerously close to being caught in the disaster and fears future events may not end as fortunately. Researchers found uprooted trees, shattered vegetation, and huge sections of exposed rock throughout the fjord area.

Climate Change Linked to Increased Risk

New research published in Science Journal suggests climate change played a major role in the collapse. According to Stephen Hicks, glaciers previously helped stabilize the mountain rock. As glaciers melted and retreated, the support holding the cliff weakened, eventually leading to the catastrophic collapse. Scientists now believe glacier melt caused by global warming is increasing the likelihood of similar megatsunami events.

Alaska Faces Growing Geological Threats

Alaska is considered highly vulnerable to megatsunamis because of its steep mountains, active earthquakes, and narrow fjords. Experts warn that climate change combined with rising tourism in remote regions could create serious future risks. Some cruise companies have already reportedly stopped sending ships into Tracy Arm Fjord due to safety concerns.

Scientists Call for Better Monitoring

Researchers are urging authorities to improve hazard monitoring systems in vulnerable areas across Alaska. Experts believe megatsunamis may now occur far more frequently than in previous decades. Dr Higman said such disasters could now be happening nearly ten times more often because of rapidly changing environmental conditions.

Why Megatsunamis Are Different

Megatsunamis differ from standard tsunamis in several ways:

• Usually triggered by landslides or collapsing rock
• Occur mainly in fjords, lakes, or narrow coastal areas
• Produce extremely tall waves locally
• Lose energy more quickly than ocean tsunamis

Traditional tsunamis, like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, travel across oceans and affect large populated regions.