Abstract
In order to obtain a fair and reliable description of the wave amplitude and currents in harbors due to the tsunami generated by the 21 May 2003 Boumerdès earthquake (Algeria), a numerical investigation has been performed with a standard hydraulic numerical model combined with various source fault models. Seven different rupture models proposed in literature to represent high frequency seismic effects have been used to simulate tsunami generation. The tsunami wave propagation across the Western Mediterranean Sea and in bays and harbors of the Balearic Islands is simulated, and results are checked against sea level measurements. All of them resulted in a significant underestimation of the tsunami impact on the Balearic coasts. In the paper the best fitting source model is identified, justifying the energy intensification of the event to account for low frequency character of tsunami waves. A fair correspondence is pointed out between damages to boats and harbor infrastructures, reported in newspapers, and wave intensity, characterized by level extremes and current intensity. Current speed and amplitude thresholds for possible damage in harbors suggested respectively by Lynett et al., doi.org/10.1002/2013GL058680, and Muhari et al., doi.org/10.1007/s11069-015-1772-0, are confirmed by the present analysis.
Highlights
Tsunamis with earthquakes and floods represent one of the most severe natural hazards; the most severe events of the different categories have claimed worldwide the same order of magnitude of lives
In order to obtain a fair and reliable description of the wave amplitude and currents in harbors due to the tsunami generated by the 21 May 2003 Boumerdès earthquake (Algeria), a numerical investigation has been performed with a standard hydraulic numerical model combined with various source fault models
Published tsunami catalogues highlight that the European coasts are prone to tsunami events [3,4], their long return period in this part of the world compared to the Pacific region and their weaker intensity lead to a low perception of tsunami risk in Europe and along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea [5,6]
Summary
Tsunamis with earthquakes and floods represent one of the most severe natural hazards; the most severe events of the different categories have claimed worldwide the same order of magnitude of lives. Tsunamis of various origin (e.g., underwater earthquakes, volcanic activity, coastal and submarine landslides, meteotsunamis) pose a significant threat to the densely populated and highly urbanized coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, important tourist destination. Critical coastal infrastructures, such as harbors and marinas, that are well protected from wind waves, are extremely vulnerable to tsunami waves because of their very long wavelength and great penetration capacity often combined with resonance conditions, when the period of the incoming forcing is close to the natural periods of basin oscillation. We quantify tsunami characteristics in ungauged areas and assess how these relate to damages to boats and floating structures reported by local newspaper articles
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