Chapter 23 - Experimental and numerical models of fine sediment transport by tsunamis

Abstract

Tsunamis and storms can be incredibly destructive events. The direct observational record of important characteristics of these events, such as flooding height, inundation, and flow speed, is often lacking. Coupled with field data acquisition, a tremendous amount of additional information can be gained through experimental laboratory studies and by applying numerical inverse models to mud and sand deposits often associated with these events. This chapter outlines typical field and sampling approaches to study tsunami-derived deposits, common data modeling techniques for constraining/reconstructing flood conditions from resultant deposits, experimental investigations, and future directions in the field.