Tsunami Squares modeling of landslide generated impulsive waves and its application to the 1792 Unzen-Mayuyama mega-slide in Japan

Abstract

The frequent occurrence of landslide tsunami has aroused great social concern, hence an efficient approach for modeling the phenomena is required urgently. Herein, we present and supplement a meshless numerical model named ‘Tsunami Squares’ (TS). TS simulates both the landslide and its generated wave using an updated numerical scheme that has enhanced computational efficiency. TS also provides an artful way of approximating linear dispersive wave propagation and non-linear wave inundation that makes it quite capable of simulating real-scale events. A well-designed test that compares TS output with an analytical formula for a tsunami propagation calculation provides firm validation of the approach. We then applied the ‘Tsunami Squares’ to simulate the 1792 Unzen-Mayuyama mega slide and generated tsunami. This event remains the largest volcanic disaster in the history of Japan. Landslide dynamics simulated by TS coincide with historical reports and the known geometry of landslide deposits. The model output of tsunami runup heights well match the observed values recorded by the locations of historical ‘Tsunami Stones’. This well documented and data-rich case further validates the ‘Tsunami Squares’ model and the excellent reproduction of the 1792 event provides new insights for better understanding of landslide tsunami hazards.