Classification of Tsunami Hazard Area along the Eastern Coast of South Korea based on Improved Tsunami Scenario Database

Abstract

We classified the areas in the eastern coast of South Korea which are highly likely to be affected by the tsunami that occurred along the northwestern coast of Japan using the improved tsunami scenario database of the Korea Meteorological Administration. To improve the accuracy of database, we used the latest data on bathymetry, coastline, and land information and increased grid resolution for numerical simulation. When tsunami occurred along the northwestern coast of Japan, the maximum wave height appeared in the around Imwon. And the wave height of Gangwon coastal area was higher than those of Gyeongsang. The tsunami height increased as the magnitude of the earthquake increased and decreased as it moved southward along the eastern coast. In conclusion, attention should be paid when an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 or greater occurs in the plate boundary region of the East Sea. And when a tsunami occurs in this region, we need to focus on the area near Imwon. Keywords: Tsunami, Improved Scenario Database, Tsunami Hazard Area, East Sea Coast