Europe Faces Growing Tsunami Threat from Supervolcanoes

Seismologist Warns of Catastrophic Potential in Southern Europe

Coastal cities across southern Europe, including Marseille and Istanbul, face a nearly 100% probability of experiencing meter-high tsunami waves within the next three decades, according to alarming new research.

Italy’s Supervolcanoes: A Looming Disaster

Professor **Wojciech Dębski**, a seismologist at the Polish Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Geophysics, has highlighted the severe threat posed by Italy’s volcanic activity. He specifically pointed to the “huge supervolcanoes” like Etna, Vesuvius, and the Phlegraean Fields.

“The south of Europe is primarily threatened with earthquakes and volcano explosions. Etna, Vesuvius, Fleger fields are a huge superwuilt. If in the area Italian Superwolwkanie would be activated, he could lead to terrible cataclysm.”

—Wojciech Dębski, Seismologist

The creation of a tsunami requires a substantial undersea earthquake coupled with a specific basin structure. Professor **Dębski** noted that while meter-high waves might primarily disrupt ports, larger tsunamis pose a significant danger. For context, the largest known tsunami wave, recorded in Alaska, reached 500 meters following a massive landslide into a bay.

Waves of 10-12 meters, equivalent to the height of a multi-story building, can devastate coastal infrastructure for kilometers inland, even if evacuations are successful. Such events represent catastrophic destruction for all life.

Poland’s Relative Safety Amidst Global Threats

Speaking on the potential risks to Poland, **Dębski** reassured that the country is situated in a stable region. While Poland experiences earthquakes, they are minor and often linked to natural seismic activity or mining operations.

“We lie down in a very quiet part of the world without a doubt.”

—Wojciech Dębski, Seismologist

The primary natural disaster concern for Poland remains flooding. Unlike southern Europe, Poland does not face the existential threat of volcanic eruptions. **Dębski** emphasized the devastating impact of volcanic explosions, describing them as functioning like a gas chamber capable of obliterating all life within tens of kilometers.

A 2023 report by the European Environment Agency highlighted that over 70% of European cities are located in coastal areas, making them increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather and geological events like tsunamis (EEA, 2023).