Lakes can experience tsunamis just like oceans, and the occurrence of these phenomena is on the rise. The most common causes of lake tsunamis are earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, glacier ruptures, and delta collapses. However, unlike ocean tsunamis that pose a significant threat to people and infrastructure in remote locations, geologists warn that with climate change causing increased melting of glaciers and permafrost, the risk of lake tsunamis in residential areas may become more common.
One such area is Portage Lake in Alaska, which is estimated to have a high lake tsunami risk. Although currently less common than ocean tsunamis, lake tsunamis have the potential to cause severe damage and loss of life. In 2020, a massive landslide in British Columbia caused a 100-meter high lake tsunami that devastated the surrounding area. Similarly, in 1938, Lake Michigan experienced a tsunami that killed five people and injured 27 with a three-meter high wave. The highest recorded lake tsunami occurred in 1958 when a 524-meter wave hit Alaska’s fjord system.
As climate change continues to impact our planet’s natural environments, it is crucial to remain aware of the potential dangers posed by lake tsunamis and take necessary precautions to minimize their impact on human populations and critical infrastructure systems.