Jump directly to the content
FLOODY HELL

Atlantis was REAL and it was wiped out by a gigantic tsunami, scientists claim

Experts think they've finally cracked the mystery of legendary city which disappeared beneath the waves

THE enormous tsunami thought to have destroyed the legendary lost city of Atlantis could have been caused by lava, a new theory suggests.

Experts believe material from the volcanic eruption on Santorini in 1500BC sparked gigantic waves.

This diagram shows post-eruptive flooding of Santorini caldera and implications for tsunami
5
This diagram shows post-eruptive flooding of Santorini caldera and implications for tsunamiCredit: P. Nomikou
NINTCHDBPICT000281082411
5
 Researchers from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens revealed the results of their study into the volcanic craterCredit: P. Nomikou
Storm surf, Tsunami wave
5
The massive wave from a tsunami are thought to have had a devastating impact on the ancient cityCredit: Alamy
An explosion of Yasur volcano sends a shower of glowing lava bombs into the air
5
An explosion of Yasur volcano sends a shower of glowing lava bombs into the airCredit: Getty

It is believed Atlantis would have been located on or around the Greek island.

Evidence of massive waves at least nine metres high has been found at several sites on the nearby Greek island of Crete.

Previous research indicated that the collapse of volcanic crater (caldera) into the sea caused the Santorini tsunami.

Now researchers from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens have put forward a different reason, reported .

The experts discovered no evidence to suggest the crater was connected to the sea when it collapsed.

They believe large volumes of pyroclastic (lava, ash) material flowing rapidly into the sea during the volcanic eruption may have displaced enough water to create a tsunami.

This has been backed up by pyroclastic deposits up to 60 metres thick not far from Santorini island.

RELATED STORIES

Gigantic 'alien city' hidden beneath the Gulf of California, UFO spotters claim
WHAT THE UFO?

Gigantic 'alien city' hidden beneath the Gulf of California, UFO spotters claim

Mysterious ancient 'giant impact' shaped the entire history of Planet Earth
BOOM TIMES

Mysterious ancient 'giant impact' shaped the entire history of Planet Earth

Mysterious fleet of 40 ancient ships found in 'dead zone' under the Black Sea
SHIPWRECK GRAVEYARD

Mysterious fleet of 40 ancient ships found in 'dead zone' under the Black Sea

Treasure trove of over 300 ancient relics - said to include bones from the 12 Apostles - discovered in tiny Polish village
HOLY SMOKE!

Treasure trove of over 300 ancient relics - said to include bones from the 12 Apostles - discovered in tiny Polish village

In their paper, published in , the researchers, led by Paraskevi Nomikou, wrote: "Regional-scale tsunamis associated with the eruption were generated by the pyroclastic flow inundation, augmented perhaps by mass slumping of rapidly deposited pyroclastic deposits off the seaward slopes of the island volcano."

Tsunamis after large explosive eruptions are generated by rapid displacement of the sea surface.

The idyllic city of Santorini was believed to have once been the home of Atlantis
5
The idyllic city of Santorini was believed to have once been the home of AtlantisCredit: Getty Images

This can include scenarios such as submarine explosions, pyroclastic surges, caldera collapse and landslides.

Greek philosopher Plato wrote about Atlantis in 350BC - describing a mysterious island which disappeared beneath the sea.

His story has been linked to the decline of the Minoan civilisation who were devastated by the volcanic eruption.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368

 

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU