When a large volume of water suddenly changes position in a lake, the result can be a lake tsunami. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly common in areas with mountain glaciers, such as Alaska, USA, and British Columbia, Canada. Lake tsunamis are generated by seismic activity, landslides, avalanches, glacier ruptures, delta collapses, changes in the atmosphere, and volcanic processes.
Lake tsunamis may seem like they only occur in remote locations with little threat to people or infrastructure. However, due to climate change and rising temperatures causing glaciers and permafrost to melt, the risk of landslides and lake tsunamis is increasing. In fact, Portage Lake in Alaska is estimated to have a high risk of a lake tsunami.
The potential for devastation from lake tsunamis is significant. The 2020 landslide in British Columbia created a 100 m high tsunami that caused damage. In history, lake tsunamis have resulted in fatalities and destruction. For example, the 1938 Lake Michigan tsunami killed 5 people. The highest recorded wave was a 524 m wave that hit Alaska in 1958 and occurred in a fjord. These events demonstrate just how devastating lake tsunamis can be on communities, infrastructure and natural habitats alike.
It is crucial that we understand the risks associated with lake tsunamis so that we can take steps to mitigate their impact on communities and infrastructure. With continued research into the causes of these events and ways to predict them before they happen we can reduce the potential damage they can cause.
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