Submarine Landslide Generated Waves Modeled Using Depth-Integrated Equations

Abstract

A mathematical model is derived to describe the generation and propagation of water waves by a submarine landslide. The model consists of a depth-integrated continuity equation and a momentum equation, in which the ground movement is a forcing function. These equations include full nonlinear, but weakly dispersive effects. The model is also capable of describing wave propagation from relatively deep water to shallow water. A numerical algorithm is developed for the general fully nonlinear model. As a case study, tsunamis generated by a prehistoric massive submarine slump off the northern coast of Puerto Rico are modeled. The evolution of the created waves and the large runup due to them is discussed.