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On August 10, Christine Smith was busy preparing breakfast aboard the David B, a small tour boat she operates with her husband, Jeffrey, in Alaska, when a shocking natural phenomenon unfolded before them. At anchor in Ford’s Terror, a secluded inlet off Endicott Arm, the couple and their eight passengers were set for a multi-day adventure to explore the region’s renowned fjords and glaciers. However, the tranquil morning was soon interrupted by a sudden influx of turbulent water, signalling the onset of a disaster that would send reverberations through the scientific community.
A Morning of Uncertainty
Just after 6 a.m., Jeffrey Smith noticed an unusual sight: a surge of foamy water racing towards the boat. “It was like a river running across the sandbar,” he remarked in an interview. Despite the unsettling conditions, the David B remained securely anchored in deeper waters, allowing the Smiths to maintain their composure while observing the strange behaviour of the water. Passengers, though unsure, noticed the couple’s heightened alertness as they utilised their satellite connection to gather information regarding the unfolding situation.
Hours later, the couple received an explanation from their neighbour, seismologist Jacqueline Caplan-Auerbach of Western Washington University. A landslide had occurred, but not near their location—rather, it was traced to Tracy Arm, a fjord located approximately 75 kilometres away. The implications of such a disturbance were significant, especially considering the Smiths had originally intended to be in Tracy Arm that very morning, only to alter their plans due to poor weather conditions.
The Landslide and Its Aftermath
The landslide in Tracy Arm, detailed in a recent study published in the journal *Science*, was a result of the South Sawyer glacier losing several hundred metres of ice, exposing a previously stabilised cliff that ultimately collapsed. “Essentially, the side of a mountain collapsed into the fjord,” explained Daniel Shugar, a geomorphologist at the University of Calgary and lead author of the study. The sudden influx of rock displaced water in the narrow fjord, causing a tsunami that surged to heights of approximately 480 metres—an elevation comparable to 85% of Toronto’s CN Tower.
The tsunami carved a destructive path through Tracy Arm, uprooting trees and altering the landscape over several kilometres. Fortunately, vessels like the National Geographic Venture, which carried 150 people, were positioned further away from the core of the disturbance and thus were spared the worst of the waves. Captain Thomas Morin described the experience as “a little frightening” but acknowledged that they were fortunate given the circumstances.
A Close Call for Tourists
Despite the relatively low number of people affected by this event, the study’s authors regarded this as a fortunate occurrence, noting that the summer months typically see a surge in tourism, with many vessels navigating closer to the fjord. Dr. Caplan-Auerbach emphasised the unusual nature of the situation: “It isn’t even so much that there could have been people in there, but how incredibly anomalous it was that no one was there.”
In the days following the landslide, a team from the U.S. Geological Survey conducted aerial surveys to assess the damage. Their findings underscored the precarious nature of the area, which has experienced increased instability due to climate change and melting glaciers. In fact, the seismic activity preceding the landslide indicated a significant uptick in vibrations, suggesting that early warning systems could potentially be developed to mitigate future risks.
The Bigger Picture
The alarming events at Tracy Arm echo a growing concern regarding geological hazards linked to climate change. As glaciers retreat, the landscapes they once supported become vulnerable to sudden collapses, an issue likely to exacerbate as global temperatures rise. Lynn Moorman, a geologist who observed the glacier shortly before the landslide, highlighted the urgent need for better understanding of geological risks in popular tourist destinations.
In light of these developments, several cruise lines operating in the region have decided to alter their itineraries to avoid Tracy Arm. Christine Smith later reflected on the surreal scene when she and Jeffrey revisited the area, witnessing the dramatic reshaping of the landscape, “It was both humbling and scary, but it also kind of fills you with a sense of wonder and curiosity.”
Why it Matters
The recent landslide and subsequent tsunami in Tracy Arm serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our environment, particularly in the face of climate change. As natural disasters become increasingly common, understanding the geological risks associated with melting glaciers is crucial for safeguarding both lives and infrastructure. The need for enhanced monitoring and early warning systems is paramount, especially in areas frequented by tourists, highlighting the interplay between climate science and public safety in an era of rapid environmental change.
