Why are the Canary Islands volcanically active?
The islands are located on the African tectonic plate. The Canary Islands are an example of intraplate volcanism because they are located far (more than 600 km (370 mi)) from the edges of the African Plate.
How far inland would a mega-tsunami go on the East Coast?
However, while there is no indication it could happen soon (but could), there are scientifically sound reasons for concern that at some point a mega-tsunami could engulf the entire East Coast with a wave almost 200 feet high sweeping everything and everybody up to 20 miles inland.
What causes a mega-tsunami?
Unlike usual tsunamis, mega-tsunamis are caused by giant landslides and other impact events such as volcanic eruptions or huge asteroids crashing into the sea. These phenomena rapidly displace large volumes of water, as energy from falling debris or expansion is transferred to the water.
What is the tectonic setting of the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands developed in a geodynamic setting characterized by Jurassic oceanic lithosphere formed during the first stage of opening of the Atlantic at 180–150 Ma and lying close to a passive continental margin on a very slow-moving tectonic plate (the African plate).
How far inland would a mega-tsunami go on the east coast?
How far inland would a mega-tsunami go?
12 miles
Waves of this type are called Mega Tsunami. They are so great that they can reach several hundred meters in height, travel at the speed of a jet aircraft and get up to 12 miles (20 Kilometers) inland.
How big are tsunami waves in the Canary Islands?
And more locally, tsunami deposits found in the Canary island suggest waves in the past over 150 meters high! Cumbre Vieja is the main volcano on the island of La Palma and has erupted recently causing large cracks to grow involving the significant motion of the western volcano flank.
Is the threat of mega tsunamis from oceanic island stratovolcanoes overstated?
“The threat of mega tsunami generation from collapses of oceanic island stratovolcanoes has been greatly overstated. No mega tsunamis can be expected” A key issue here is the mechanics of the landslide.
What would happen if a mega-tsunami hit the east coast?
On top of pollutant issues, because of the size and scale of a mega-tsunami, many sea creatures might be displaced or run aground, disrupting deep-water ecosystems. The scariest factor is the number of nuclear power plants concentrated on the East Coast.
Are mega tsunamis possible from a landslide collapse?
There is a nice evaluation of the work by Dr George Pararas-Carayannis, which concludes that: “The threat of mega tsunami generation from collapses of oceanic island stratovolcanoes has been greatly overstated. No mega tsunamis can be expected” A key issue here is the mechanics of the landslide.