A new methodology for performing large scale simulations of tsunami generated by deformable submarine slides

Abstract

Large tsunamis can be generated by submarine slides, but these events are rare on human timescales and challenging to observe. Experiments and numerical modelling offer methods to understand the mechanisms by which they generate waves and what the potential hazard might be. However, to fully capture the complex waveform generated by a submarine slide, the slide dynamics must also be accurately modelled.

Modeling landslide generated waves using the discontinuous finite element method

“…It should be noted that if the deformation is known a priori it is generally readily feasible to impose it within an otherwise "rigid" block approach. 34 As confirmed by some experimental and numerical studies, [35][36][37][38][39] landslide deformation can significantly affect the shape of the slide as well as the impact height and velocity in the case of subaerial slides. The resulting wave amplitudes can be overestimated by models which treat the slide as a solid mass.…”

“…Although this treatment is widely applied to submarine slides, 30‐33 and replicates certain simplified lab cases, the inability to capture landslide deformation may limit its application to realistic cases where the deformation of the landslide shape may be important. It should be noted that if the deformation is known a priori it is generally readily feasible to impose it within an otherwise “rigid” block approach 34 . As confirmed by some experimental and numerical studies, 35‐39 landslide deformation can significantly affect the shape of the slide as well as the impact height and velocity in the case of subaerial slides.…”