One of the world's strongest meteors has been recorded in Croatia

A powerful wave, known as a meteocunami, struck parts of the eastern Adriatic coast on Wednesday evening, causing significant flooding in areas such as Stari Grad on Hvar and parts of Mali Lošinj. The phenomenon, which is rare but potentially dangerous, was triggered by atmospheric conditions rather than seismic activity, according to reports from Croatian institutions. This event marks one of the strongest recorded meteocunamis in history, with water levels rising rapidly and submerging coastal areas within seconds. The incident occurred during a severe storm that swept through the northern and central Adriatic Sea. On Hvar, the waters surged approximately 30 centimeters high, inundating restaurants and cafes. Witnesses described the suddenness of the event, noting how the sea quickly covered the land before retreating. Similar occurrences were reported in other coastal towns, including Pula and Zadar, where the tide rose and fell dramatically, leaving boats stranded on dry ground. Meteocunamis are long, tsunami-like waves caused by atmospheric influences such as sudden changes in air pressure, atmospheric gravity waves, weather fronts, and storm surges. These phenomena are distinct from seismic tsunamis, which result from underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. Instead, they arise from interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean, often involving complex processes of energy transfer and resonance. Two key types of resonance play a role in the formation of meteocunamis: Proudman resonance and harbor resonance. Proudman resonance occurs when the speed of an atmospheric disturbance matches the speed of long ocean waves. Harbor resonance happens when the frequency of incoming waves aligns with the natural oscillation frequency of a specific coastal area. These resonances can amplify the effects of atmospheric disturbances, leading to significant wave action in vulnerable locations. Atmospheric gravity waves form at the boundary between stable and unstable layers of the atmosphere. These waves cause fluctuations in surface air pressure, generating long ocean waves that can intensify due to additional factors such as resonance and shoaling near continental shelves. Waves generated this way can travel great distances and reach coastal areas with considerable force, sometimes more than ten times their initial strength before impacting the shore. Historically, destructive meteocunamis have been recorded in various regions, including Japan, China, Spain, and large lakes in North America and the east coast of the United States. The eastern Adriatic coast, particularly the island of Korčula, has experienced notable incidents. One of the most severe occurred on June 21, 1978, when a series of waves up to six meters high flooded the town of Veli Luk, resulting in damages estimated at around seven million US dollars, about 6.1 million euros at the time. This event remains among the strongest documented meteocunamis globally. In recent weeks, similar events have been observed along the Croatian coastline. In Mali Lošinj, tourists and residents were caught off guard as the sea rapidly submerged the waterfront, creating panic. Local authorities noted that while the occurrence surprised visitors, it was familiar to locals who had grown accustomed to such sudden changes. A spokesperson for the city stated that there were currently no official reports of damage, though the visual impact left many shaken. In Zadar, the sea initially rose over 30 centimeters above normal levels before suddenly dropping by nearly 60 centimeters, exposing the seabed. Boats were left stranded, and visitors fled in alarm as the water reached their knees. As the tide receded, vessels returned to the water, revealing the extent of the temporary submersion. These recent events highlight the unpredictable nature of meteocunamis and the need for continued monitoring and public awareness. While they are less frequent than seismic tsunamis, their potential for rapid onset and localized impact makes them a growing concern for coastal communities. Scientists continue to study these phenomena to better understand their triggers and improve early warning systems.