Mass transport events and their tsunami hazard

Abstract

Mass transport events, such as those from submarine landslides, volcanic flank collapse at convergent margins and on oceanic islands, and subaerial failure are reviewed and found to be all potential tsunami sources. The intensity and frequency of the tsunamis resulting is dependent upon the source. Most historical records are of devastating tsunamis from volcanic collapse at convergent margins. Although the database is limited, tsunamis sourced from submarine landslides and collapse on oceanic volcanoes have a climate influence and may not be as hazardous as their frequency suggests. Conversely, tsunamis sourced from submarine landslides at convergent margins may be more frequent historically than previously recognized and, therefore, more hazardous. © Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2010.