Abstract
Abstract. This paper seeks to investigate the effectiveness of sea-defense structures in preventing/reducing the tsunami overtopping as well as evaluating the resulting tsunami impact at El Jadida, Morocco. Different tsunami wave conditions are generated by considering various earthquake scenarios of magnitudes ranging from Mw = 8.0 to Mw = 8.6. These scenarios represent the main active earthquake faults in the SW Iberia margin and are consistent with two past events that generated tsunamis along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The behaviour of incident tsunami waves when interacting with coastal infrastructures is analysed on the basis of numerical simulations of near-shore tsunami waves' propagation. Tsunami impact at the affected site is assessed through computing inundation and current velocity using a high-resolution digital terrain model that incorporates bathymetric, topographic and coastal structures data. Results, in terms of near-shore tsunami propagation snapshots, waves' interaction with coastal barriers, and spatial distributions of flow depths and speeds, are presented and discussed in light of what was observed during the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami. Predicted results show different levels of impact that different tsunami wave conditions could generate in the region. Existing coastal barriers around the El Jadida harbour succeeded in reflecting relatively small waves generated by some scenarios, but failed in preventing the overtopping caused by waves from others. Considering the scenario highly impacting the El Jadida coast, significant inundations are computed at the sandy beach and unprotected areas. The modelled dramatic tsunami impact in the region shows the need for additional tsunami standards not only for sea-defense structures but also for the coastal dwellings and houses to provide potential in-place evacuation.
Highlights
We investigate the performance of existing coastal barriers and infrastructures against the tsunami overtopping as well as evaluating the resulting tsunami impact at El Jadida (Morocco) site
To investigate the behaviour of tsunami waves when approaching the shoreline and how they interact with coastal infrastructures, we analyse detailed tsunami propagation close to the El Jadida harbour
When tsunami waves triggered by these scenarios approach the El Jadida coast, they are affected by the shallow bathymetry, leading to similarities in the directivity of propagation in spite of the difference observed in the tsunami energy patterns at a regional scale as well as tsunami arrival time (Figs. 5b–9b)
Summary
Data Systems teracting with coastal infrastructures is analysed on the basis of numerical simulations of near-shore tsunami waves’ The Tohoku-oki earthquake of 11 March 2011, with a magpropagation. Tsunami impact at the affected site is assessed through computing inundation and current velocity using a high-resolution digital terrain model that incorporates bathynitude of 9.0 (USGS, 2011G), etrioggsecreideanttsiufnicami that caused m13a0sskimvefdroemstruthcMetioeopnidcaeleonnltrgeD.thTeesvunneoarlmtohiepwamsatevreensncretoaacshtsedofthJeapfiarnst, M metric, topographic and coastal structures data. In Japanese mainland area 20 min after the earthquake (JMA, terms of near-shore tsunami propagation snapshots, waves’ 2011) and affected about 2000 km of Japan’s Pacific coasts interaction with coastal barriers, and spatial distributions of flow depths and speeds, are presented and discussed in light of what was observed during the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami. Predicted results show different levels of impact that different Plain (Mori et al, 2011). Exist- this tsunami showed a need to revise the Japanese tsunami ing coastal barriers around the El Jadida harbour succeeded mitigation programmes and plans
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
