Parametric Study of Tsunamis Generated by Earthquakes and Landslides

Abstract

Tsunami generation and propagation mechanisms need to be clearly understood in order to inform predictive models and improve coastal community preparedness. Physical experiments, supported by mathematical models, can potentially provide valuable input data for standard predictive models of tsunami generation and propagation. A unique experimental set-up has been developed to reproduce a coupled-source tsunami generation mechanism: a two-dimensional underwater fault rupture followed by a submarine landslide. The test rig was located in a 20 m flume in the COAST laboratory at the University of Plymouth. The aim of the experiments is to provide quality data for developing a parametrisation of the initial conditions for tsunami generation processes which are triggered by a dual-source. During the test programme, the water depth and the landslide density were varied. The position of the landslide model was tracked and the free surface elevation of the water body was measured. Hence the generated wave characteristics were determined. For a coupled-source scenario, the generated wave is crest led, followed by a trough of smaller amplitude decreasing steadily as it propagates along the flume. The crest amplitude was shown to be influenced by the fault rupture displacement scale, whereas the trough was influenced by the landslide’s relative density.

Deformation Anomalies Accompanying Tsunami Origination

“…We should note that tsunamis can be caused not only by earthquakes, but also by underwater landslides, volcanic activity, and simply by the collapse of mountain massifs into the sea [12].…”

Tsunami Science and Engineering II

“…This book includes nine excellent contributions [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] to this special issue published between 2018 and 2019. The overall aim of the collection is to improve modelling and mitigate the destruction of tsunamis and the negative effects they have on us and our environment.…”

“…The order of the nine articles [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] in this book follows the three tsunami phases: generation, propagation and their effects. The first article from Perez del Postigo et al [3] focuses on tsunami generation and propagation. The large magnitude of some tsunamis has been justified with a dual-source mechanism, for example as a combination of an earthquake-with a landslide-tsunami.…”

“…The large magnitude of some tsunamis has been justified with a dual-source mechanism, for example as a combination of an earthquake-with a landslide-tsunami. Perez del Postigo et al [3] is one of the first study investigating such a dual-source mechanism. They developed a unique experimental set-up in a 20 m flume to reproduce a coupled-source tsunami generation by an underwater fault rupture followed by a submarine landslide.…”