Scientists Warn of Tsunami Risk in Greenland’s Fjords

Scientists have identified two unstable slopes in the Uummannaq Fjord system in central West Greenland that could trigger tsunamis. The research, published in Communications Earth & Environment, was led by geologist Marie Keiding, with colleagues from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland and the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute.

Potential landslide impacts

The slope in Karrat Fjord covers 2.65 million square metres and contains an estimated 400 million cubic metres of material. A complete collapse could produce a tsunami with a run-up exceeding 10 metres more than 100 kilometres away.

The more immediate concern is a slope in Kangerluarsuk Fjord, which could release about 30 million cubic metres of mountain material. It has developed rapidly since 2015, and failure is possible within years or decades. A resulting tsunami could reach Ukkusissat, 25 kilometres away, with a 3–7-metre run-up in about six minutes.

Earlier Greenland tsunamis

Scientists say melting permafrost may contribute to more frequent and larger landslides in the Arctic. A 2017 landslide-triggered tsunami in Karrat Fjord killed four people, injured nine and led to the abandonment of Nuugaatsiaq. In September 2023, a landslide tsunami in Dickson Fjord caused violent wave activity for nine days; by November 2026, the Government of Greenland had issued a travel advisory for the area.

Important Facts for Exams

• Slope failure mechanics: Landslide initiation involves reduced shear strength, increased shear stress on slope material, or a combination of both.
• Non-seismic tsunami origin: Landslide-generated tsunamis differ in origin from earthquake-generated waves, although both are described as tsunamis.
• Run-up measurement: Tsunami run-up is the temporary sea-level rise when a wave peak reaches shore, measured in metres above a reference sea level.