Bizarre Nine Day Seismic Signal

The user’s inquiry mentioned a “bizarre nine day seismic” event around April 6, 2025. However, records indicate an extraordinary seismic occurrence lasting approximately nine days in September 2023.1 This article will focus on this documented event from 2023, which aligns with the user’s description. This unusual seismic activity was subsequently linked to a significant geological event in a remote area: a substantial Greenland landslide.1 This article will explore the characteristics of this remarkable seismic signal, the specifics of the Greenland landslide that initiated it, the scientific principles explaining their connection, the broader context of landslides and seismic events, the methods used for monitoring earthquake activity, and recommendations for resources related to geology and emergency preparedness.

Bizarre Nine Day Seismic

In September 2023, seismometers worldwide registered an anomalous seismic signal that persisted for an unprecedented nine consecutive days.2 This signal differed from typical earthquake recordings. Instead of the usual complex pattern of high-frequency vibrations, this event was characterized by a nearly monochromatic signal, oscillating with a remarkably consistent period of approximately 92 seconds, corresponding to a frequency of about 10.88 millihertz.2 The sustained nature and singular frequency of this signal stood in stark contrast to the brief and varied seismic waves generated by typical earthquakes.3 Due to its unusual properties, the scientific community initially termed this phenomenon an “Unidentified Seismic Object” (USO) as they sought to determine its origin.2 The findings of the research into this event were later published in the esteemed scientific journal Science.2 The global detection of this bizarre nine day seismic signal, despite its relatively low energy compared to major earthquakes, and its prolonged duration suggested an unusual and efficient mechanism of seismic wave generation and propagation. Furthermore, the specific 92-second oscillation hinted at a resonance within a large-scale geological or hydrological system. For those intrigued by the Earth’s processes, a great starting point is the “Geology: A Complete Introduction (Teach Yourself)” book.20

Nine Day Seismic

The source of this enigmatic nine day seismic signal was eventually traced to a massive landslide that occurred on September 16, 2023, in the remote Dickson Fjord, situated within Northeast Greenland National Park.2 This landslide involved the collapse of approximately 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice from a mountain peak towering 1.2 kilometers above the fjord.2 The primary cause of this dramatic slope failure is attributed to the thinning of the glacier at the mountain’s base.2 Rising Arctic temperatures, driven by climate change, have accelerated the melting of this glacier over recent decades, ultimately destabilizing the mountainside and leading to its catastrophic collapse.2 The immediate consequence of this massive Greenland landslide was the generation of an enormous tsunami within the fjord, with initial wave heights estimated to reach up to 200 meters (650 feet).2 This marked the first observed landslide and tsunami of such magnitude in eastern Greenland.12 The sheer scale of the landslide, equivalent to filling thousands of Olympic-sized swimming pools, underscores the immense energy released during this event and its potential to cause significant downstream effects.

Earthquake

The key to understanding the prolonged seismic signal lies in the behavior of the tsunami generated by the landslide. Dickson Fjord, a long and narrow body of water, acted as a natural resonator. The massive wave, instead of dissipating quickly into an open ocean, became trapped within the fjord’s confines, initiating a phenomenon known as a seiche.3 A seiche is essentially a standing wave that oscillates back and forth in a body of water, much like water sloshing in a bathtub.3 The unique geometry of Dickson Fjord, characterized by its narrowness, considerable length (approximately 10 km), and complex bathymetry, effectively trapped the energy of the tsunami.3 This trapped wave then began to slosh back and forth along the fjord’s length, creating a large-scale oscillation that persisted for the entire nine-day duration of the observed seismic signal.3 This continuous, large-scale movement of water within the fjord generated vibrations that propagated through the Earth’s crust as seismic waves, which were then detected by the sensitive instruments of the global seismic monitoring network.3 Remarkably, the predicted oscillation period of this seiche, calculated through mathematical modeling, was approximately 90 seconds, closely matching the observed 92-second interval of the unusual seismic signal.3 This strong correlation provides compelling evidence that the prolonged sloshing of the mega-tsunami within Dickson Fjord was indeed the source of the bizarre nine day seismic event. To ensure preparedness for any seismic event, having a well-stocked “Emergency Preparedness Kit” is highly recommended.23

Greenland Landslide

The relationship between landslides and seismic activity is complex and multifaceted. While the Greenland event showcased an unusual instance of a landslide indirectly causing a prolonged seismic signal through a tsunami-induced seiche, it is more commonly known that earthquakes can trigger landslides . Strong ground shaking during an earthquake can destabilize slopes, leading to the movement of rock, debris, or earth . This is particularly prevalent in areas with steep terrain and materials prone to liquefaction or failure under stress . Conversely, very large landslides can, in some cases, directly trigger localized seismic activity.25 This can occur due to the sudden redistribution of a massive amount of material, which can alter the stress state within the Earth’s crust, potentially leading to fault rupture and small earthquakes.26 Another mechanism through which landslides can induce seismic activity is by damming rivers and forming landslide-dammed lakes.26 The weight of the water impounded in these lakes can increase the stress on underlying faults and also affect pore water pressure, potentially triggering earthquakes.26 However, in the case of the Greenland landslide, the primary source of the nine day seismic signal was not the direct ground shaking caused by the landslide itself, nor the triggering of tectonic earthquakes. Instead, it was the indirect effect of the landslide: the generation of a mega-tsunami that, when confined within the unique geometry of Dickson Fjord, produced a long-lasting seiche, whose oscillations were the source of the globally detected seismic waves.3 For a deeper understanding of such events, consider watching the documentary “World of Discovery EARTHQUAKES the Terrifying Truth“.30

The primary tools used by scientists to monitor earthquake activity, and indeed the seismic signal from the Greenland event, are seismographs, also known as seismometers . These sensitive instruments are designed to detect and record the vibrations of the ground caused by seismic waves, whether they originate from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, or other sources . The fundamental principle behind a seismometer’s operation is inertia.30 A mass is suspended within the instrument, and when the ground moves due to seismic waves, this mass tends to remain at rest. The relative motion between the mass and the instrument’s frame, which is anchored to the ground, is then measured and recorded.30 Modern seismograph stations typically employ three-component seismometers, which can record ground motion in three perpendicular directions: north-south, east-west, and vertical.30 This allows for a comprehensive analysis of the seismic waves as they arrive at the station.30 The data recorded by seismographs, known as seismograms, are then analyzed by seismologists to determine the location, magnitude, and other characteristics of the seismic event.35 By analyzing the arrival times of different types of seismic waves (such as P-waves and S-waves) at multiple seismograph stations within a network, scientists can pinpoint the epicenter of an earthquake.30 The detection of the unusual bizarre nine day seismic signal from Greenland highlights the capability of the global network of seismograph stations to capture a wide range of seismic phenomena, even those with characteristics distinct from typical earthquakes.2

In conclusion, the bizarre nine day seismic signal was a real and remarkable event caused by a massive, climate change-induced Greenland landslide in September 2023 . The landslide triggered a mega-tsunami that, when confined within Dickson Fjord, resulted in a prolonged seiche, whose oscillations generated the unusual, globally detected seismic waves . This event underscores the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems and highlights the potential for significant seismic phenomena to arise from non-traditional sources. As climate change continues to impact polar regions, the potential for similar landslide-induced tsunamis and associated seismic signals may increase, necessitating continued monitoring and research .

Table 1: Timeline of the Greenland Seismic Event

Table 2: Contents of a Representative Emergency Preparedness Kit (Ready America 72 Hour Deluxe Emergency Kit, 1-Person)

Works cited

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