On August 10, 2025, Christine Smith and her husband, leading a cruise on their boat in southeast Alaska, narrowly avoided disaster due to inclement weather that forced them to anchor away from their planned spot in Tracy Arm. The next morning, they observed unusual tidal movements and contacted seismologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, who later confirmed that a landslide had occurred where they would have anchored, potentially saving their lives. This incident highlights the dangers posed by retreating glaciers, which can destabilize landscapes and cause deadly tsunamis. New research suggests that subtle signs could provide early warnings for such events. As glaciers continue to retreat due to climate change, understanding these risks is crucial for the safety of ships and communities.
QUESTION: How might the increasing frequency of natural disasters due to climate change impact the way we plan and conduct activities in vulnerable areas?
A 1,500-foot tsunami took scientists by surprise. Now we know why it happened
