Shown via the Google Earth software, a million-ton rock outcrop on Dominica’s Morne aux Diables volcano is expected to fall into the sea after a landslide sometime in the coming decades, an April 2009 report says. Seismic “tension cracks” are indicated with arrows by the researchers.
The National Geographic‘s news page has just reported on the threat of a ten-story tsunami resulting from a possible major landslide on the island of Dominica. It is feared that the landslide will plunge up to a million tons of rock into the sea, causing a tsunami that could reach the southern coast of the neighboring island of Guadeloupe within minutes. The landslide will most likely also trigger a major earthquake.
The National Geographic article reports on the findings of a team of geologists from the University of Portsmouth (see our post from April 24) but also includes reaction from Dominica’s disaster-preparedness minister, who sought to quell panic over the findings.
“There is no scientific indication that such an event is imminent and therefore we should begin to take measures immediately,” Charles Savarin said. The focus has turned to preparedness on the part of Guadeloupe. There are currently no tsunami early warning systems in this area of the Caribbean, but discussions have begun about how best to alert the population likely to be affected and brunt the impact of the potential tsunami. “Prevention is the most important thing for Guadaloupe,” said study co-author Carmen Solana from the University of Portsmouth. “Perhaps some artificial reefs, or even a small, half-metre [foot-and-a-half] promenade wall can reduce the energy of the tsunami waves.”
For the National Geographic story go to http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/090427-tsunami-caribbean-rock.html
