An efficient two-layer landslide-tsunami numerical model: Effects of momentum transfer validated with physical experiments of waves generated by granular landslides

Abstract

The generation of a tsunami by a landslide is a complex phenomenon that involves landslide dynamics, wave dynamics and their interaction. Numerous lives and infrastructures around the world are threatened by this phenomenon. Predictive numerical models are a suitable tool to assess this natural hazard. However, the complexity of this phenomenon causes such models to be either computationally inefficient or unable to handle the overall process. Our model, which is based on shallow-water equations, has been developed to address these two problems. In our model, the two materials are treated as two different layers, and their interaction is resolved by momentum transfer inspired by elastic collision principles. The goal of this study is to demonstrate the validity of our model through benchmark tests based on physical experiments performed by Miller et al. (2017). A dry case is reproduced to validate the behaviour of the landslide propagation model using different rheological laws and to determine which law performs best. In addition, a wet case is reproduced to investigate the influence of different still-water levels on both the landslide deposit and the generated waves. The numerical results are in good agreement with the physical experiments, thereby confirming the validity of our model, particularly concerning the novel momentum transfer approach.