What if an entire mountainside suddenly collapsed into the sea—what kind of wave would that create?
In Tracy Arm Fjord, the answer was terrifying: a nearly 500-metre “megatsunami,” the second tallest ever recorded.
It happened fast. In under a minute, around 64 million cubic metres of rock—think 24 Great Pyramids—plunged into the water.
The result? A towering wall of water that ripped through the fjord, flattening trees and scarring the landscape.
Why Did This Happen Now?
Scientists say melting glaciers are a key piece of the puzzle. As ice retreats, it no longer supports surrounding rock.
“The glacier was helping hold this rock in place,” explained Stephen Hicks. Once gone, the cliff simply gave way.
Even more chilling? It was pure luck no cruise ships were nearby.
Geologist Bretwood Higman called it a “close call,” warning future incidents may not be so forgiving.
Megatsunamis aren’t like the ones that cross oceans—they strike locally, suddenly, and violently.
And experts fear they’re becoming more frequent.
So here’s the real question: as climate change reshapes the planet.
Are we paying enough attention to the dangers hiding in the world’s most beautiful places?
