Does global warming cause tsunamis? Around the world, massive waves of water are feared and respected as one of the most destructive natural disasters, and it begs the question – is global warming responsible? This is an important conversation to have, as the answer has the potential to shape the reaction of governments, the public, and society as a whole.
The power of tsunamis, colloquially referred to as ‘tidal waves,’ is both astronomical and catastrophic. The standing wave phenomenon can reach as high as 10 metres above sea level, and can cause immense destruction as it crashes ashore. Such destruction includes massive flooding due to displacement of water, and can lead to other damaging effects such as wind-based erosion of the shoreline. While tsunamis are known to occur naturally due to tectonic movement of the Earth’s crust and other seismic activity, many have speculated the possibility of global warming as a contributing factor.
The scientific consensus is that there is no single answer as to whether or not global warming is causing tsunamis: the impacts of climate change on natural disasters like tsunamis is still not fully understood by scientists. Some emissions-related activities and human activities such as land reclamation, including the construction of dams, and climate change are thought to increase the chance of these events occurring. But this only increases the chances; there is still no direct, conclusive evidence that global warming is an exacerbating factor to the phenomenon of tidal waves.
That being said, there is some evidence that global warming could be contributing to the intensity of tidal waves. A study conducted in 2020 by a team of scientists in the United States found that warmer ocean waters may increase the chances of a particularly potent tsunami due to the fact that warmer temperatures can heighten the speed of vertical waves, which in turn can cause an increase in the wave-height or the magnitude of the wave. In layman’s terms, warming ocean temperatures can contribute to larger, more destructive tsunamis. Additionally, as air temperatures rise due to global warming, the chances of evaporation from the ocean increases, producing even larger waves.
Though the evidence is inconclusive, one phenomenon related to global warming that has a greater consensus surrounding it is sea-level rise. Scientist have established that the current rate of sea-level rise is due to the accelerated melting of polar ice caps and glaciers as a direct result of global warming. In addition to this, there is evidence that sea level rise could increase the risk of damage done by tsunami waves due to the fact that as sea waters rise, they can more easily penetrate low-lying areas that would otherwise be spared destruction.
The devastating effects of global warming on our planet are continuous and complex, and are deeply intertwined with the occurrence of natural disasters like tsunamis: no concrete answer has been found in relation to the effects of global warming on these events. Regardless of the varying opinions and evidence, it is clear that lower carbon emissions, increased prevention methods, and improved emergency response are needed in order to protect people and their livelihoods in the face of such natural disasters. Moving forward, it is imperative that we reduce emission rates in order to mitigate the effects of global warming, and that we remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure coastal communities don’t become future victims of rising sea levels and intensified storms.
The power of tsunamis, colloquially referred to as ‘tidal waves,’ is both astronomical and catastrophic. The standing wave phenomenon can reach as high as 10 metres above sea level, and can cause immense destruction as it crashes ashore. Such destruction includes massive flooding due to displacement of water, and can lead to other damaging effects such as wind-based erosion of the shoreline. While tsunamis are known to occur naturally due to tectonic movement of the Earth’s crust and other seismic activity, many have speculated the possibility of global warming as a contributing factor.
The scientific consensus is that there is no single answer as to whether or not global warming is causing tsunamis: the impacts of climate change on natural disasters like tsunamis is still not fully understood by scientists. Some emissions-related activities and human activities such as land reclamation, including the construction of dams, and climate change are thought to increase the chance of these events occurring. But this only increases the chances; there is still no direct, conclusive evidence that global warming is an exacerbating factor to the phenomenon of tidal waves.
That being said, there is some evidence that global warming could be contributing to the intensity of tidal waves. A study conducted in 2020 by a team of scientists in the United States found that warmer ocean waters may increase the chances of a particularly potent tsunami due to the fact that warmer temperatures can heighten the speed of vertical waves, which in turn can cause an increase in the wave-height or the magnitude of the wave. In layman’s terms, warming ocean temperatures can contribute to larger, more destructive tsunamis. Additionally, as air temperatures rise due to global warming, the chances of evaporation from the ocean increases, producing even larger waves.
Though the evidence is inconclusive, one phenomenon related to global warming that has a greater consensus surrounding it is sea-level rise. Scientist have established that the current rate of sea-level rise is due to the accelerated melting of polar ice caps and glaciers as a direct result of global warming. In addition to this, there is evidence that sea level rise could increase the risk of damage done by tsunami waves due to the fact that as sea waters rise, they can more easily penetrate low-lying areas that would otherwise be spared destruction.
The devastating effects of global warming on our planet are continuous and complex, and are deeply intertwined with the occurrence of natural disasters like tsunamis: no concrete answer has been found in relation to the effects of global warming on these events. Regardless of the varying opinions and evidence, it is clear that lower carbon emissions, increased prevention methods, and improved emergency response are needed in order to protect people and their livelihoods in the face of such natural disasters. Moving forward, it is imperative that we reduce emission rates in order to mitigate the effects of global warming, and that we remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure coastal communities don’t become future victims of rising sea levels and intensified storms.
