From the Telegraph:
A million people living on the shores of Lake Geneva could be at risk from devastating tsunamis, scientists have warned.
In the sixth century a tsunami triggered by a rockfall on the lake sent a 26ft wave crashing over
Geneva's city walls. Photo: 4Corners Images
In the sixth century a tsunami triggered by a rockfall on the lake destroyed several villages, sent a 26ft wave crashing over Geneva's city walls, and caused many casualties.
Experts investigating the event said a similar disaster could easily happen again, and Geneva with its 200,000 inhabitants was especially vulnerable.
They argued that the threat of lake tsunamis is underestimated and should be taken more seriously.
The Lake Geneva tsunami followed a documented mountain rockfall, known as the Tauredunum event, in AD 563.
A survey, analysis of sediment cores and computer simulations suggested that the rockfall caused a huge mudslide where the river Rhone flows into the lake.Coming up, "10 stocks that could benefit from a Lake Geneva Tsunami".
The resulting displacement of water generated large tsunami waves, including one 13 metres (42ft) high where Lausanne now lies on the lake's northern shore.
An eight metre (26ft) high wave hit Geneva 70 minutes after the initial mass movement of sediment. The city is right at the other end of the lake from the mudslide, a distance of more than 70 kilometres.
A reconstruction showed that the wave would have destroyed Geneva bridge and breached the city walls, as reported in historical records....MORE
