A numerical algorithm for computing tsunami wave amplitudes

Abstract

A numerical multistep algorithm for computing tsunami wave front amplitudes is proposed. The first step consists in solving an appropriate eikonal equation. The eikonal equation is solved with Godunov’s approach and a bicharacteristic method. A qualitative comparison of the two methods is done. A change of variables is made with the eikonal equation solution at the second step. At the last step, using an expansion of the fundamental solution to the shallow water equations in the new variables, we obtain a Cauchy problem of lesser dimension for the leading edge wave amplitude. The results of numerical experiments are presented.