A Universal Parameter to Predict Subaerial Landslide Tsunamis?

Author: Heller Valentin   Hager Willi H.  

Publisher: MDPI

E-ISSN: 2077-1312|2|2|400-412

ISSN: 2077-1312

Source: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Vol.2, Iss.2, 2014-04, pp. : 400-412

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Abstract

The significance of the impulse product parameter P is reviewed, which is believed to be the most universal parameter for subaerial landslide tsunami (impulse wave) prediction. This semi-empirical parameter is based on the streamwise slide momentum flux component and it was refined with a multiple regression laboratory data analysis. Empirical equations based on P allow for a simple prediction of wave features under diverse conditions (landslides and ice masses, granular and block slides, etc.). Analytical evidence reveals that a mass sliding down a hill slope of angle 51.6° results in the highest waves. The wave height “observed” in the 1958 Lituya Bay case was well predicted using P. Other real-world case studies illustrate how efficient empirical equations based on P deliver wave estimates which support hazard assessment. Future applications are hoped to further confirm the applicability of P to cases with more complex water body geometries and bathymetries.