The biggest wave ever recorded on Earth measured an astonishing 1,720 feet (524 meters) and occurred in Lituya Bay, Alaska, on July 9, 1958.
The Record-Breaking Mega-Tsunami of Lituya Bay
This colossal wave, often referred to as a mega-tsunami, was not a typical ocean swell but rather a cataclysmic event triggered by a massive rockslide. On that fateful day, an earthquake dislodged approximately 30 million cubic meters of rock into the narrow, T-shaped Lituya Bay. This immense displacement of material generated a towering wall of water that surged across the entire length of the bay.
Near the Gilbert Inlet, where the rockslide occurred, the wave reached its peak run-up height of 1,720 feet (524 meters), demonstrating an unparalleled destructive force that scoured the landscape and destroyed everything in its path. Despite its immense size, only a few lives were lost due to the remote nature of the bay and the timing of the event.
Key Facts About the Lituya Bay Event
To understand the magnitude of this natural phenomenon, consider these key details:
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 1,720 feet (524 meters) |
| Location | Lituya Bay, Alaska |
| Date | July 9, 1958 |
| Cause | Earthquake-induced rockslide |
| Wave Type | Mega-tsunami |
| Impact | Extreme deforestation and scouring of land up to the wave's height |
Understanding Different Types of Waves
It's important to distinguish between various types of waves, as the Lituya Bay event was a tsunami, which differs significantly from common ocean waves.
Tsunami Characteristics
- Origin: Often caused by large-scale disturbances such as underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, or meteor impacts.
- Wavelength: Extremely long, sometimes hundreds of miles, allowing them to travel across entire oceans.
- Speed: Can travel at hundreds of miles per hour in deep ocean.
- Appearance: In the deep ocean, tsunamis are barely noticeable; they only gain height and become destructive as they approach shallow coastlines. The Lituya Bay event was unique in its confined bay, leading to its extreme run-up height.
Ocean Swell and Wind Waves
- Origin: Primarily generated by wind blowing over the ocean's surface.
- Wavelength: Much shorter than tsunamis, typically ranging from a few feet to several hundred feet.
- Speed: Significantly slower than tsunamis.
- Appearance: These are the waves surfers ride, and while some can be very large (e.g., in storm conditions or at specific big-wave surfing spots), they do not reach the colossal heights of mega-tsunamis like the one in Lituya Bay. The largest surfable waves, for instance, typically measure in the range of 80-100 feet, a fraction of the Lituya Bay record.
The Lituya Bay wave stands as a powerful testament to the Earth's dynamic forces, representing the highest recorded run-up of any wave known to humanity.
