Mount Etna is known as the world’s most active stratovolcano, characterized by its high, conical shape formed from repeated eruptions of thick lava. In February, the volcano erupted, sending ash clouds into the sky and a lava flow that extended 3 kilometers, resulting in the partial closure of a local airport. The European Space Agency’s Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite captured a striking image of the lava flow on February 12.
Moving on to Greenland, a massive iceberg drifted dangerously close to the shore in the village of Innaarsuit, prompting local authorities to issue warnings to the public. The towering iceberg posed a threat to the Royal Greenland fish factory and the local food store, urging people to exercise caution when in the vicinity. This incident marked the second time in less than a decade that a large iceberg had jeopardized the town, highlighting the impact of melting ice in Greenland.
In the Caribbean, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica with winds reaching nearly 300 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall of 76 centimeters. The storm ravaged the area, destroying buildings and causing substantial damage. Initial analysis indicated that climate change may have intensified Melissa’s winds by approximately 16 kilometers per hour. This year saw the occurrence of three category 5 hurricanes, a rare phenomenon in recorded history.
Shifting to China, the Qiantang River showcased the world’s largest tidal bore, where the rising tide generated a wave up to 9 meters high. Referred to as the “silver dragon” by locals, surfers flocked to ride the impressive wave that moved upstream at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour. The sight of the tidal bore in Jiaxing in October drew crowds eager to witness this natural spectacle.
In the Swiss Alps, the Birch glacier collapsed under the weight of 9 million tonnes of fallen rock, triggering a landslide that buried most of the 800-year-old village of Blatten. The incident, which caused an impact similar to a magnitude 3.1 earthquake, was attributed to the thawing of permafrost due to rising global temperatures. Scientists warned that at current emission rates, 90% of the Alps’ glaciers could vanish by the year 2100.
Lastly, wildfires devastated parts of California, particularly in the Pacific Palisades region, where homes were destroyed as flames swept through the area. The wildfires, fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, claimed lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and inflicted extensive damage. The incident underscored the implications of climate change, as rising temperatures and dry conditions lengthened the fire season and increased the likelihood of such catastrophic events.
