“Seiches (in Maltese milgħuba – logħob tal-baħar) result due to changes in the atmosphere. When the pressure varies drastically in a short period of time, it creates ‘waves’ in the atmosphere that in turn, cause the sea to oscillate,” Gauci said.

“Today, atmospheric turbulences started around 3.15am. This led to sea-level oscillations being observed throughout the morning. In Marsaxlokk, the highest sea-level change was experienced around 6.30am when a variation of 26.4cm (around 30cm) was recorded,” Gauci explained. 

“We experience seiches every year. However, today it was stronger. It is very difficult to predict when this will happen,” he said, noting that is a common phenomenon.

“This is why it is important to have instruments that continuously monitor the meteorological and marine conditions, especially in coastal areas,” he highlighted.

“If there is high pressure over the sea, the water is pushed out and there will be a sea-level rise somewhere else. Similarly, if there is a low-pressure region, the sea level in that area will go up.”

“These oscillations propagate and reach the coast. In enclosed bays (like Marsaxlokk and Spinola), the waves can resonate, and the effect might get amplified.”

“The oscillations normally have a long period and resemble those caused by a tsunami. Therefore, these events are sometimes called “meteo-tsunamis” or “atmospheric tsunamis”. However, the mechanism with which they form is totally different. Seiches have nothing to do with earthquakes or the climate,” he said. 

“As part of the CALYPSO South project, the University of Malta in collaboration with Transport Malta, has installed six real-time stations around the island that monitor coastal parameters. All of these stations recorded the atmospheric turbulences.”

What do you make of his explanation?