Tsunamis (Seismic Sea Waves): An Investigation of Overland Flow and Wave-Structure Interaction

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Tsunamis are ocean waves generated by an impulsive geophysical event, such as an earthquake. Historically, Hawaii and Alaska have been the areas of the U.S. affected by tsunami impact. The objective of this research program is to study the runup of a tsunami onto a coastline, the overland flow of tsunamis, and their interaction with structures located in the nearshore regions. Specifically, it is investigating: (1) The shape, kinematic characteristics and shoreward limit of propagation of the overland flow of the surge which may develop at the shoreline due to the tsunami. (2) The determination of the forces and pressures imposed on two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures by an impinging surge. This investigation is directed toward the mitigation of tsunami hazards by contributing to the knowledge needed: to improve tsunami warning systems, to estimate the overland flow of a tsunami-induced surge, and to design structures located near the shoreline which could be impacted by such a surge.