Alaska - Pedersen Glacier: Landslide Triggered Tsunami

  • Thread starter Thread starter Astronuc
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
On August 7, 2024, a landslide near Aialik Bay, Alaska, triggered a tsunami that affected Pedersen Lagoon, reaching heights of 17 meters (approximately 56 feet) in Upper Pedersen Lagoon and diminishing to about 1 meter (3 feet) in Lower Pedersen Lagoon. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities, although damage occurred to a private lodge's boardwalk and a National Park Service campsite's food storage box. The potential for future tsunamis remains uncertain, prompting warnings for visitors to stay alert for signs of landslides or tsunamis, such as unusual sounds, rapid water level changes, and abnormal wave behavior. Caution is advised for those in the Pedersen Lagoon area, especially when hiking in mountainous or sloped terrains, due to the risks associated with loose rocks and falling debris.
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
22,368
Reaction score
7,211
Somehow I missed this.

SEWARD, Alaska – On the Morning of August 7, 2024, at approximately 5:00 a.m. a landslide triggered tsunami washed over portions of Pedersen Lagoon near Aialik Bay (59.8842N, -149.7309W). No known injuries or fatalities were reported. A private lodge reported damage to boardwalk areas. A National Park Service campsite easement was impacted with damage reported to a food storage box.

At this point we have no degree of certainty about the potential for any future tsunami or magnitude. As such, visitors to the area should remain vigilant for any signs of an impending landslide or tsunami, including sounds of rockfall, rapid lowering of water levels, and unusual currents or wave behavior.

We recommend caution for those who visit or remain in the area in and around Pedersen Lagoon.
https://www.nps.gov/kefj/learn/news/kenai-fjords-national-park-news-release.htm

https://www.usgs.gov/programs/lands...4-pedersen-lagoon-landslide-generated-tsunami
A landslide produced a tsunami in Pedersen Lagoon, southwest of Seward, Alaska on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, at approximately 04:55 AKDT / 12:55 UTC. Preliminary surveying indicates that the landslide generated a tsunami of 17 meters high (approx. 56 ft) or more in Upper Pedersen Lagoon, reducing to about one meter high (approx. 3 feet) in Lower Pedersen Lagoon. Runup heights reported here are preliminary and are subject to change with additional field validation.

When hiking in the back country near mountains, or in valleys or near slopes, pay attention to the surroundings - look for loose/falling/rolling rocks and listening for sounds of the same. I've had some close calls when hiking/scrambling on rock and boulder fields.

https://kenver.com/blogs/news/scrambling-hiking-guide

Before setting out, know the terrain and weather. Look for recent rock falls/slides; they can happen at anytime. And take plenty of water.
 
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes pinball1970, jim mcnamara, Flyboy and 1 other person
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
M 7.6 - Drake Passage 2025-10-10 20:29:20 (UTC) 60.196°S 61.799°W 8.8 km depth https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000rgf4/executive A relatively shallow earthquake. Aftershocks have occurred. M 7.4 - 20 km E of Santiago, Philippines 2025-10-10 01:43:59 (UTC) 7.265°N 126.755°E 58.1 km depth https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000rfwz/executive M 6.7 - 23 km ESE of Santiago, Philippines 2025-10-10 11:12:07 (UTC) 7.172°N 126.755°E 61.2 km depth...
Thread 'The Secrets of Prof. Verschure's Rosetta Stones'
(Edit: since the thread title was changed, this first sentence is too cryptic: the original title referred to a Tool song....) Besides being a favorite song by a favorite band, the thread title is a straightforward play on words. This summer, as a present to myself for being promoted, I purchased a collection of thin sections that I believe comprise the research materials of Prof. Rob Verschure, who at the time was faculty in the Geological Institute in Amsterdam. What changed this...

Similar threads

Back
Top