Researchers have identified the world's largest cliff-top boulder on Tongatapu, Tonga, challenging previous assumptions about tsunami power. The Maka Lahi boulder, weighing 1,200 tonnes, sits over 200 meters inland and nearly 30 meters above sea level. This discovery provides vital insights into the region's geological history and future hazard risks, informing coastal hazard management strategies in 2025.
A team from The University of Queensland, led by Martin Köhler, discovered the boulder. Advanced 3D modeling suggests a tsunami event around 7,000 years ago moved the rock. Simulations indicate wave heights of approximately 50 meters with sustained energy were necessary to displace the massive boulder.
Dr. Annie Lau emphasizes the geological significance, especially given Tonga's vulnerability to tsunamis. The Maka Lahi boulder serves as a natural laboratory for improving tsunami models. This discovery refines predictive models for coastal hazard management, enhancing global risk assessment and mitigation strategies, and contributing to better preparedness in 2025.