Scientists have figured out mystery that shook the world every 90 seconds for 9 days in 2023

In September 2023, something strange was happening beneath our feet every 90 seconds, for nine straight days, the Earth was picking up a repeating seismic signal. A month later, the same thing happened again. At the time, no one knew exactly why. But now, scientists from the University of Oxford have figured it out.

It turns out that massive waves, called mega-tsunamis, were the cause. These were triggered by landslides in East Greenland, where a glacier was melting due to rising temperatures.

As the glacier warmed and destabilized, parts of it broke off and caused large landslides near Dickson Fjord. Those landslides created huge waves that got trapped in the narrow fjord, bouncing back and forth and sending out vibrations strong enough to be picked up as seismic signals around the world.

To confirm this theory, the scientists used a special NASA satellite equipped with radar that measures the height of water on Earth. This satellite, called SWOT (Surface Water Ocean Topography), works by sending out radar pulses and timing how long they take to bounce back. That information helped scientists detect changes in the ocean’s surface and map the waves inside the fjord.

Thomas Monahan, one of the researchers, explained that the satellite made it possible to study remote places like the Arctic, where traditional sensors are hard to use. He pointed out that climate change is causing new kinds of extreme natural events some of which we’ve never seen before and that we need new technology to keep up.

Another researcher, Professor Thomas Adcock, said this study shows how newer satellite data can help solve old mysteries. He added that with the help of machine learning and a better understanding of ocean behavior, scientists can now study unusual and dangerous events like tsunamis, storm surges, and giant waves more accurately.

By analyzing even the tiniest shifts in the Earth’s surface, the team was able to track the waves’ impact even during the times the satellite didn’t directly see them. This not only solved the mystery but also proved that satellites and science together can reveal powerful hidden forces shaping our world.