For nine days, the Earth was shaken every 90 seconds by a unique phenomenon

Since its formation, Earth has had to deal with numerous hazards related to its seismic activity, but also due to cosmic events. However, in 2023, our planet was shaken every 90 seconds for nine days, and the reason for this is quite surprising. 

Two years ago, a strange seismic signal was detected, causing vibrations across the entire surface of the Earth. This lasted for a total of nine days, at 90-second intervals. In response to this astonishing discovery, investigations were carried out, revealing waves from a tsunami trapped in a fjord in Greenland. 

Researchers at Oxford University used high-precision satellite data to study this phenomenon. Their study was made possible thanks to the SWOT satellite launched in 2022, which captured high-precision images of the phenomenon. 

By carefully studying these images, they realized that these were standing waves, known as seiches. A seiche is a standing wave that forms in a closed body of water such as a lake or fjord. In this situation, the waves move from one side to the other, causing large variations in water volume at various points in the basin. They can be caused by landslides, sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, or tsunamis, as was the case here.

Using data from the SWOT satellite and its advanced interferometric radar, the researchers were able to determine the height of these waves, which sometimes reached two meters. However, while the origin of these vibrations has been detected with some accuracy, many mysteries still surround these standing waves. 

Consequently, the researchers who published their study in the journal Nature Communications emphasize the importance of new technologies for better studying this phenomenon. But that's not all, because this will also enable us to better understand the climate changes taking place on the Earth's surface and anticipate their harmful effects on human life and infrastructure.