Tsunami Research Articles

Specification of INF01LE, INF03, and INF04LE infrasound sensors for the observation and detection of destructive geophysical events

When an object moves through the atmosphere, it induces pressure fluctuations. If the scale of the object’s movement spans several hundred meters to several kilometers, the period of the pressure fluctuation will range from several seconds to several tens of seconds, determined by the ratio of the scale to the speed of sound. These pressure fluctuations manifest within the frequency range between audible sound (> 20 Hz) and infrasound (< 20 Hz and > 3 mHz). The infrasonic waves, characterized by their low-frequency nature, present a promising avenue for long-distance remote sensing, particularly in the monitoring of geophysical events with the potential for widespread destruction, such as earthquakes and tsunamis. We developed sensors of both membrane and microphone types to monitor infrasound in lower or higher frequency, respectively. These sensors were installed on the Pacific side of Japan to observe infrasound mainly generated by tsunamis. The key advantage lies in the faster propagation speed of Lamb waves (∼\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sim$$\\end{document}310 m/s) compared to that of tsunami waves (∼\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sim$$\\end{document}200 m/s), making them a valuable precursor for timely detection. By combining with a small MEMS 3-axis accelerometers, this study explores the feasibility of identifying a sudden atmospheric pressure surge within the infrasonic frequency range, following a significant earthquake. The observed surge serves as a crucial indicator of the imminent arrival of large tsunami waves along the shoreline situated between the earthquake’s epicenter and the observation site. The practical implication of this detection methodology is profound, as it could potentially trigger early warning systems, leading to timely and targeted evacuations. These infrasound sensors effectively detected infrasound produced not only by tsunamis but also by volcanic eruptions, meteorite explosions, and so on. This research focuses on the significance of monitoring geophysical events in the infrasound frequency range by demonstrating the development of our infrasound sensors and the natural phenomena captured by these instruments. The study presents observational results based on three types of sensors (INF01LE, INF03, and INF04LE), each exhibiting a flat response within specific frequency ranges: 0.003 to 6.25 Hz, 0.1 to 100 Hz, and 0.1 to 100 Hz, respectively. These sensors have been rigorously tested across various natural phenomena to validate their effectiveness in capturing infrasonic waves. The findings of this research contribute to the growing body of knowledge on infrasonic wave coming from various geophysical disaster perspectives.

The Multi‐Segment Complexity of the 2024 MW ${M}_{W}$ 7.5 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Governs Tsunami Generation

AbstractThe 1 January 2024, moment magnitude 7.5 Noto Peninsula earthquake ruptured in complex ways, challenging analysis of its tsunami generation. We present tsunami models informed by a 6‐subevent centroid moment tensor (CMT) model obtained through Bayesian inversion of teleseismic and strong motion data. We identify two distinct bilateral rupture episodes. Initial, onshore rupture toward the southwest is followed by delayed re‐nucleation at the hypocenter, likely aided by fault weakening, causing significant seafloor uplift to the northeast. We construct a complex multi‐fault uplift model, validated against geodetic observations, that aligns with known fault system geometries and is critical in modeling the observed tsunami. The simulations can explain tsunami wave amplitude, timing, and polarity of the leading wave, which are crucial for tsunami early warning. Upon comparison with alternative source models and analysis of 2000 multi‐CMT ensemble solutions, we highlight the importance of incorporating complex source effects for realistic tsunami simulations.

Experimental Investigation on the Drift and Collision of Containers Induced by Tsunami Action on a Wave Absorbing Revetment

&lt;i&gt;This study examined the collision dynamics between tsunami-driven drifting containers and port cranes, prompted by risks from the recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake and tsunami off Noto Peninsula, Japan. Hydraulic experiments were conducted to analyze container drift and collision forces using motion analysis software (DIPP-Motion) and a load cell installed on a crane leg model. The key parameters included the tsunami wave height, container weight (empty and loaded), initial position, and revetment type. The results suggested that higher tsunami wave heights led to more extraordinary inundation, allowing containers to float more efficiently, reducing bottom friction, and increasing drift speed and collision forces. The collision speeds ranged from 1.59 to 2.48 m/s, with collision forces of 45.18 to 77.68 N, representing increases of 6.45 to 15.58 times than no object. Heavier containers required deeper water to float, resulting in lower drift and collision speeds (0.88–0.89 times that of lighter containers). The wave-absorbing revetment caused higher flow velocities, producing collision speeds and forces 1.32–1.48 times greater than the vertical revetment. These findings highlight the importance of considering the tsunami magnitude, container weight, initial position, and revetment type in design, with face-to-face contact conditions crucial for estimating the maximum collision forces and preventing future tsunami damage.&lt;/i&gt;

Analytical and dynamical analysis of nonlinear Riemann wave equation in plasma systems

The Riemann wave equation presents appealing nonlinear equations applicable in sea-water and tsunami wave propagation, ion and magneto-sound waves in plasmas, electromagnetic waves in transmission lines, and homogeneous stationary media. This study focuses on deriving soliton solutions in optics and exploring their physical properties. A wave transformation is used to convert a partial differential equation into an ordinary differential equation, from which soliton solutions are obtained using the generalized Riccati equation mapping approach. The solutions encompass various types of solitons, including bright, dark, periodic, and kink solitons. A comparison of solutions from this analytical method enhances the understanding of the nonlinear model’s behavior, with implications in plasma physics, fluid dynamics, optics, and communication technology. Additionally, 2D and 3D graphs illustrate the physical phenomena of the solutions using appropriate constant parameters. The qualitative analysis of the undisturbed planar system involves examining phase portraits in bifurcation theory, followed by introducing an outward force to induce disruption and reveal chaotic phenomena. Chaotic trajectories in the perturbed system are detected through various plots, including 3D, 2D, power spectrum, and chaotic attractor, alongside Lyapunov exponents. Stability analysis under different initial conditions is conducted, and sensitivity assessments are performed using the Runge–Kutta method. The findings are innovative and have not been previously explored for this system, highlighting the reliability, simplicity, and effectiveness of these techniques in analyzing nonlinear models in mathematical physics and engineering.

Possible Indication of the Impact of the Storegga Slide Tsunami on the German North Sea Coast around 8150 cal BP

The Storegga slide tsunami (SST) at ca. 8100 ± 100–250 cal BP is known to be the largest tsunami that affected the North Sea during the entire Holocene. Geological traces of tsunami landfall were discovered along the coasts of Norway, Scotland, England, Denmark, the Faroes and Shetland Islands. So far, the German North Sea coast has been considered as being well protected due to the wide continental shelf and predominant shallow water depths, both assumed to dissipate tsunami wave energy significantly, thus hindering SST propagation dynamics. The objective of our research was to clarify if the SST reached the German Bight and if corresponding sediment markers can be found. Our research was based on the in-depth investigation of a 5 m long section of the research core Garding-2 from Eiderstedt Peninsula near Garding in North Frisia known from a previous study. For this, we newly recovered sediment core Garding-2A at exactly the same coring location as core Garding-2. Additionally, high-resolution Direct Push sensing data were collected to gain undisturbed stratigraphic information. Multi-proxy analyses of sediment material (grain size, geochemical, geochronological and microfaunal data) were carried out to reconstruct palaeoenvironmental and palaeogeographical conditions. We identified a high-energy event layer with sedimentological (e.g., erosional unconformity, rip-up clasts, fining-upward), microfaunal (e.g., strongly mixed foraminiferal assemblage) and other features typical of tsunami influence and identical in age with the SST, dated to ca. 8.15 ka cal BP. The event layer was deposited at or maximum ca. 1–1.5 m below the local contemporary relative sea level and several tens of kilometers inland from the coastline within the palaeo-Eider estuarine system beyond the reach of storm surges. Tsunami facies and geochronological data correspond well with SST signatures identified on the nearby island of Rømø. SST candidate deposits identified at Garding represent the southernmost indications of this event in the southeastern North Sea. They give evidence, for the first time, of high-energy tsunami landfall along the German North Sea coast and tsunami impact related to the Storegga slide. SST deposits seem to have been subsequently reworked and redeposited over centuries until the site was affected by the Holocene marine transgression around 7 ka cal BP (7.3–6.5 ka cal BP). Moreover, the transgression initiated energetically and ecologically stable shallow marine conditions within an Eider-related tidal channel, lasting several millennia. It is suggested that the SST was not essentially weakened across the shallow continental shelf of the North Sea, but rather caused tsunami run-up of several meters (Rømø Island) or largely intruded estuarine systems tens of kilometers inland (North Frisia, this study). We, therefore, assume that the southern North Sea coast was generally affected by the SST but sedimentary signals have not yet been identified or have been misinterpreted. Our findings suggest that the German North Sea coast is not protected from tsunami events, as assumed so far, but that tsunamis are also a phenomenon in this region.

3D anatomy of the Cretaceous–Paleogene age Nadir Crater

The Nadir Crater offshore West Africa is a recently proposed near K-Pg impact structure identified on 2D seismic. Here we present 3D seismic data that image this crater in exceptional detail, unique for any such structure, which demonstrates beyond reasonable doubt that the crater-forming mechanism was a hypervelocity impact. Seismic mapping reveals a near-circular crater rim of 9.2 km and an outer brim of ~23 km diameter defined by concentric normal faults. An extended damage zone is evident across the region, well beyond the perceived limit of subsurface deformation for impact craters, except in a ‘sheltered zone’ to the east. The paleo-seabed shows evidence for widespread liquefaction because of seismic shaking, and scars and gullies formed by tsunami wave propagation and resurge. Deformation within the ~425 m high stratigraphic uplift and annular moat allows us to reconstruct the evolution of the crater, with radial thrusts at the periphery of the uplift suggesting a low-angle impact from the east. Structural relationships are used to reconstruct the deformation processes during the crater modification stage, with the central uplift forming first, followed by centripetal flow of surrounding sediments into the evacuated crater floor in the seconds to minutes after impact.

Physical Modeling of Tsunamis Generated by Submarine Volcanic Eruptions

AbstractSubmarine volcanic eruptions can induce major local and regional tsunami hazards through varied source mechanisms. Large‐scale experiments of tsunamis generated by submarine volcanic eruptions are conducted to study the cylindrical wave generation and propagation in a three‐dimensional wave basin. A unique volcanic tsunami generator (VTG) was deployed at the bottom of the wave basin to generate volcanic tsunamis with repeatable and controlled source parameters. The physical modeling is based on the generalized Froude number defined with the VTG velocity and the near source water depth. The pneumatically driven vertical stroke motion generates leading elevation waves in the wave basin. The tsunami waves generated by the VTG are measured with a wave gauge array. The wave maker performance is characterized by the dimensionless leading wave amplitudes and periods. The experimental data show the variations of the leading wave amplitude, period, and celerity along the radial propagation distance. The generated cylindrical waves belong to the weakly nonlinear wave regime in the near field with decaying wave amplitude along radial propagation. The attenuation rate of the leading wave exceeds the range from the linear wave theory in runs with higher Froude numbers. The dimensionless leading wave period increases with the dimensionless propagation distance due to the dispersion relation. Empirical equations for the characteristic wave parameters such as amplitudes and periods are derived. The experimental results contribute to the understanding of volcanic tsunami generation processes and may serve rapid volcanic tsunami hazard assessments as well as the advancement and validation of numerical models.

Compressible ocean waves generated by sudden seabed rise near a step-type topography

A typical tsunami generation occurs through submarine earthquakes leading to large volume displacement. The corresponding mathematical problem involves modeling surface water waves generated by an arbitrary temporal motion of the ocean floor. The propagation of tsunami wave and the subsequent scattering from a sudden drop in bathymetry away from the ground motion is studied following linearized water wave theory and a weakly compressible ocean, including static oceanic background compression. The Fourier transformation and eigenfunction expansion techniques are employed to find the surface displacement and pressure profiles by leveraging appropriate matching conditions between regions of different depths. A novel energy balance relationship is derived by considering both the pure-gravity and acoustic-gravity modes. The model is validated in the limit that the depth difference approaches zero, showing a vanishing reflection contribution from the depth change. An efficient numerical code is developed that accurately captures the contribution of the cutoff frequencies of acoustic-gravity modes. Apart from the time-domain propagation of tsunami waves away from the origin, standing wave formations are observed within the shallow region, supported by significantly large pressure fluctuations in time. These standing waves or, equivalently, the pressure fluctuations sustain longer for larger ocean depth. The increase in tsunami speed in the deeper region is readily visible in the time-domain simulations. A three-dimensional axisymmetric solution is also developed, and results show a more gradual sloping tsunami wavefront compared to the equivalent two-dimensional solution for shallower depths. Animation movies corresponding to the two- and three-dimensional surface profiles are provided for better visualization.

Source Geometry and Rupture Characteristics of the 20 February 2023 Mw 6.4 Hatay (Türkiye) Earthquake at Southwest Edge of the East Anatolian Fault

AbstractFollowing the catastrophic 6 February 2023 Mw 7.8 and Mw 7.6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ; southeast Türkiye), numerous aftershocks occurred along the major branches of this left‐lateral shear zone. The spatio‐temporal distribution of the earthquakes implied the stress‐triggering effects of co‐seismic ruptures on closely connected fault segments over large distances. On the 20 February 2023 two earthquakes with Mw 6.4 and Mw 5.2 struck Hatay (Türkiye) located near the Samandağ‐Antakya segment of the EAFZ. To understand the rupture evolution of these earthquakes, we first re‐located the aftershock sequence that occurred over a 3‐month period in the Hatay‐Syria region. A normal faulting mechanism with a significant amount of left‐lateral strike‐slip component at a shallow focal depth of 12 km was estimated for the 2023 Mw 6.4 earthquake from the inversion of seismological data. Our slip models describe a relatively simple and unilateral rupture propagation along about 36 km‐long active segments of the EAFZ. The co‐seismic horizontal displacements inferred from the Global Navigation Satellite System data are compatible with the oblique slip kinematics. Furthermore, we suggest that this earthquake did not produce notable tsunami waves on the adjacent coasts since the rupture plane did not extend to the seafloor of the Eastern Mediterranean with substantial amount of vertical displacement. We reckon that a future large earthquake (Mw ≥ 7.0) in the Hatay‐Syria region where increased stress was transferred to the fault segments of the EAFZ and the Dead Sea Fault Zone (DSFZ) after the 2023 earthquakes will be a probable source of tsunami at the coastal plains of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea region.

Observations of Tsunami Waves on the Pacific Coast of Russia Originating from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Volcanic Eruption on January 15, 2022

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha´apai volcanic eruption on January 15, 2022 generated a tsunami that affected the entire Pacific Ocean. Tsunami from the event have been generated both by incoming waves from the source area, with a long-wave speed in the ocean of ~ 200–220 m/s, and by an atmospheric wave propagating at a sound speed ~315 m/s. Such a dual source mechanism created a serious problem and was a real challenge for the Pacific tsunami warning services. The work of the Russian Tsunami Warning Service (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk) during this event is considered in detail. The tsunami was clearly recorded on the coasts of the Northwest Pacific and in the adjacent marginal seas, including the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea. We examined high-resolution records (1-min sampling) of 20 tide gauges and 8 air pressure stations in this region for the period of January 14–17, 2022. On the Russian coast, the highest waves, with a trough-to-crest wave height of 1.3 m, were recorded at Malokurilskoe (Shikotan Island) and Vodopadnaya (the southeastern coast of Kamchatka). Using numerical simulation and data analysis methods, we were able to separate the oceanic “gravity” tsunami waves from propagating atmospheric pressure waves. In general, we found that on the outer (oceanic) coasts and the southern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, oceanic tsunami waves prevailed, while on the coast of the Sea of Japan, oceanic and atmospheric tsunami waves had similar heights.

Development and Application of a Novel Tsunami Monitoring System Based on Submerged Mooring.

Real-time data transmission and reliable operation are essential for a tsunami monitoring system to provide effective data. In this study, a novel real-time tsunami monitoring system is designed based on a submersible mooring system. This system is equipped with a data acquisition and tsunami wave identification algorithm, which can collect the measured data of the pressure sensor and detect a tsunami wave in real time. It adopts the combination design of underwater inductive coupling transmission and a redundant BeiDou communication device on the water surface to ensure the reliability of real-time data transmission. Compared with traditional tsunami monitoring buoys, it has the advantages of reliable communication, good concealment, high security, and convenient deployment, recovery, and maintenance. The results of laboratory and sea tests show that the system has high reliability of data transmission, stable overall operation of the system, and good application prospects in the field of real-time tsunami monitoring and early warning.

Forearc crustal faults as tsunami sources in the upper plate of the Lesser Antilles subduction zone: the case study of the Morne Piton fault system

Abstract. In this study, alternatively to the megathrust, we identify upper-plate normal faults orthogonal to the trench as a possible tsunami source along the Lesser Antilles subduction zone. The Morne Piton fault system is such a trench-perpendicular upper crustal fault at the latitude of Guadeloupe. By means of seismic reflection, high-resolution bathymetry, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) imaging and dating, we reassess the slip rate of the Morne Piton fault since 7 Ma, i.e., its inception, and quantify an average rate of 0.25 mm yr−1 since ca. 1.2 Ma. This result divides by two previous estimations, increases the earthquake time recurrence and lowers the associated hazard. The ROV dive revealed a metric scarp with striae at the toe of the Morne Piton fault system, suggesting a recent fault rupture. We estimate a fault rupture area of ∼ 450–675 km2 and then a magnitude range for a maximum seismic event around Mw 6.5 ± 0.5, making this fault potentially tsunamigenic as the nearby Les Saintes fault responsible for a tsunami following the 2004 Mw 6.3 earthquake. Consequently, we simulate a multi-segment tsunami model representative of a worst-case scenario if all the identified Morne Piton fault segments ruptured together. Our model provides clues for the potential impact of local tsunamis on the surrounding coastal area as well as for local bathymetric controls on tsunami propagation. We illustrate that (i) shallow-water plateaus act as secondary sources and are responsible for a wrapping of the tsunami waves around the island of Marie-Galante; (ii) canyons indenting the shallow-water plateau slope break focus and enhance the wave height in front of the most touristic and populated town of the island; and (iii) the resonance phenomenon is observed within the Les Saintes archipelago, showing that the waves' frequency content is able to perturb the sea level for many hours after the seismic rupture.

Tsunami propagation and flooding maps: An application for the Island of Lampedusa, Sicily Channel, Italy

AbstractThe Mediterranean coastlines are densely populated zones which host key socio‐economic and commercial activities. For this reason, coastal areas are vulnerable sites in case of natural disasters as tsunamis that can strike coasts causing widespread damage to the population and facilities. For these reasons, several studies were performed over the last decade to study the impact of tsunami waves on the coasts. This research assessed the inundation risk due to a tsunami wave which can hit the southeastern coast of Lampedusa Island. The coastal low‐lying geomorphological setting of the southeastern part of the island led to significant socio‐economic growth, but Lampedusa falls within the Mediterranean Sea, a high‐tsunamigenic area, therefore, the need to investigate tsunami propagation and coastal flooding of this sensitive site emerged. For this scope, a calculation chain model was implemented incorporating three steps: the DELFT‐3D software for earthquake effects modelling, MIKE 21 Flow Model FM for nearshore propagation and HEC‐RAS for onshore tsunami inundation modelling. The simulations illustrate the impact of three tsunami scenarios with different magnitudes (Mw 8.5, 7.5, 6.5) generated by hypothetical earthquakes in the Hellenic Arc. In the Mw 8.5 magnitude scenario, significant flooding occurs in the harbour region, with maximum water depths reaching approximately 3.5 m. The maximum water velocity in this scenario reaches about 15 m/s in the eastern portion, adjacent to cliffs impacted by the tsunami wave. In contrast, the Mw 7.5 magnitude scenario demonstrates reduced flooded areas, with the cliffs containing the waves and preventing further flooding. Water depths and velocities in the Mw 7.5 scenario remain minimal. Changes in both propagation and flooding are not significant between scenarios Mw 7.5 and Mw 6.5. This methodology can be employed for more accurate tsunami wave simulations not only in the Mediterranean region but also in various case studies.

Optimal design and placement of a combined trench and submerged breakwater system on the coastal area of Aceh

Tsunami waves are currently one of the most devastating water hazards that threaten regions or countries near the subduction zones, including Indonesia. In this research, a novel coastal protection system combining a submerged breakwater and a trench is proposed to mitigate tsunami occurrences. The model is developed based on the Shallow Water Equations, which are then solved analytically using the Separation Variables Method, and numerically using the Staggered Finite Volume Method. The wave transmission coefficient, which indicates the wave reduction rate generated by the system, is expected to be the outcome of both approaches. The numerical scheme is validated against the analytical solutions to verify its accuracy in estimating wave reduction by the system. Further, an optimization technique is integrated into the model to obtain the optimal size and position of each structure (submerged breakwater and trench) on the real bathymetry of Aceh's coast, which has been impacted by a deadly tsunami occurrence before. The results of this study are expected to be useful in the future development of coastal protection systems against tsunami waves, especially in Indonesia.

Computational Modelling of 2004 Off West Coast of Sumatra Earthquake-Tsunami Wave Propagation Using Two-Dimensional Cellular Automata in the Eastern Indian Coast

ABSTRACT The ability to detect destructive tsunamis and spare lives from serious harm has made the computation of tsunami wave dynamics increasingly important. The tremendous loss of life and property brought on by the 26th of December, 2004 tsunami has raised the demand for accurate and timely propagation of tsunami wave simulations. These days, a variety of early warning technologies and models are utilized to predict tsunami waves. The propagation phase of a tsunami wave is simulated using two-dimensional cellular automata of rectangular lattices in eight directions from this research. Modelling of the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake in 2004 to simulate the propagation of tsunami waves to strike the northern coasts of India. The earliest tsunami arrival time, travel time, and wave spread rate are determined from this study, and the results are verified using historical data.

Rekomendasi Penataan dan Perawatan Batu Nisan Kuno Berbasis Lingkungan di Gampong Pande, Banda Aceh

In Gampong Pande there are cultural heritage objects and mangrove forests which are the part of former ancient port city of the Aceh Darussalam Kingdom. After the earthquake and tsunami waves that hit the coast of the city of Banda Aceh in 2004, the former capital city was damaged so ecological recommendations for the arrangement and maintenance of cultural heritage objects are needed. This paper aims to provide recommendations for the arrangement and care of ancient tombstone cultural heritage objects. The methods used were literature studies, initial surveys, observations, aerial photographs, satellite images, tombstone object distribution maps, object plan recommendations, lichen sample tests in the laboratory, and field tests of citronella and coconut oil essential oil emulsions. Recommendations are planned for arranging ancient tombstones located in scattered fish ponds and mangrove forests and planning supporting facilities for their protection, development, and utilization. In maintaining ancient tombstones, environmentally friendly materials were tested, namely an emulsion of citronella essential oil, distilled water, and coconut oil. Variations in citronella essential oil emulsion with distilled water are 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 100% and coconut oil concentration is 100%. Observations were made on color changes visually and with a microscope for 24 hours, 48 ​​hours, and 72 hours. Test results on six variations after the specified time both in the field and laboratory tests showed that citronella essential oil could inhibit the growth of lichens while coconut oil was not effective.

Physical Modelling Scenarios of Tsunami Wave Attenuation Induced by Variation of Mangrove Protection Width and Sea Dike

Physical Modelling Scenarios of Tsunami Wave Attenuation Induced by Variation of Mangrove Protection Width and Sea Dike

Analysis and Geovisualization of Tsunami Hazard and Evacuation Routes in the Opak-Progo Coastal Area

The southern coastal area of Java has a high risk of tsunamis. Additionally, the presence of rivers flowing in the south of Java Island poses a greater tsunami threat because these rivers can act as "toll roads" for tsunami waves to enter the land. Therefore, this study was conducted in the coastal area of the Opak-Progo watershed to determine the level of tsunami hazards and plan effective evacuation routes. The hazard map was created using the Berryman method, which employs parameters such as slope, surface roughness coefficient, coastline, and tsunami run-up height scenario; a 3-metre scenario was used in this study. Network analysts also determined evacuation routes using the nearest facility method. Network analysis was used to identify an optimised route with four evacuation sites. This research has the potential to significantly contribute to tsunami mitigation and evacuation planning in the coastal areas of the Opak-Progo watershed.

Human‐initiated autocyclic delta failures

ABSTRACTRiver regulations have resulted in changes in the hydrology and particle budgets of fluvial systems. Since the 19th century, many rivers have been significantly modified to control flood hazards, to gain land from swamp areas for agricultural purposes, and to stabilize river‐levels and lake‐levels to facilitate navigation. These dramatic changes of the river courses have impacted the sediment budgets and grain‐size dissemination along them as well as the sediment distribution at the delta mouths in the downstream lakes, which could lead to slope instabilities. Deposits of such catastrophic lacustrine mass movements caused by delta collapses have been, for instance, observed in Lake Brienz (Switzerland), where relatively thick (0.5 to 1.3 m) and voluminous (&gt;1 million m3) megaturbidites are stacked in the deep basin witnessing these processes. This study uses sediment cores and seismic data to reconstruct the megaturbidites' history in Lake Brienz. Data reveal that mass‐movement deposits, originating from the Aare Delta, one of the two main inflows, have mean ages of 1853, 1905, 1942 and 1996 ce and that they were unprecedented in, at least, half a millennium. The fact that the numbers of floods and earthquakes have not changed radically over this time period implies that human impact is the most likely explanation for these failure events. Therefore, the recurrent delta collapses are attributed to the focused sediment accumulation at the front of the channelized inflow in the proximal delta region, caused by the modification of the Aare River through its straightening and channelization during the late 19th century. These findings indicate that river regulation can affect delta sedimentation, leading to autocyclic delta collapses. Those collapses, in turn, can potentially generate tsunami waves, representing an additional natural hazard for shoreline communities.

Source characteristics of the 2006 Pingtung earthquake doublet off southern Taiwan and the possible contribution of submarine landslides to the Tsunami

On 26th December 2006, two successive large earthquakes of Mw ∼7.0, occurred offshore southwest Taiwan, being 8 min apart, known as the 2006 Pingtung earthquake doublet. The earthquakes triggered a hazard chain consisting of regional-scale tsunamis, submarine landslides, and turbidity currents. The tsunami waves with moderate height (10–60 cm) were recorded by 12 tide gauges along southern Taiwan, Guangdong, and Fujian provinces. Submarine landslide-induced turbidity currents inflicted widespread damage to telecommunication cables across the Kaoping Canyon and Manila Trench. Although the mechanisms of the individual hazard in the chain have been investigated previously, the interaction mechanisms and the causal relationship among them remain unclear due to the complexity of the dynamic process. Here, with the best available instrumental records of these events, we first reexamined the earthquake doublet's source characteristics and obtained the earthquake source models using regional seismic waves, high-rate GPS displacements, and strong motion waveforms. We then conducted forward tsunami modeling, along with spectral analysis of the tide gauge records and backward tsunami ray tracing technique, to gain insight of the hydrodynamic features of tsunamis and the contribution of landslides to tsunami generation. The main findings can be summarized as follows. The centroid depth of the first earthquake was found to be ∼28 km, which is shallower than the local CWB catalog suggested. The slip distribution was characterized by two close slip patches, ranging over depths of 15–35 km and occupying 40 km along the strike. The shallower focal depth and normal-faulting mechanism can well explain the recorded tsunami waves. Notably, wave analysis suggests that tsunami waves induced by landslides may have occurred in two episodes. The first round was likely produced by the landslides triggered simultaneously by the initial earthquake doublet. The largest aftershock, which occurred 14 h after the doublet with a strike-slip mechanism, may have caused the landslides near the head of Kaoping Canyon and possibly the second-round tsunami.