Landslide tsunamis: Comparison between depth-averaged and Navier-Stokes models

Two approaches are proposed to simulate tsunamis generated by granular landslides: a depth-averaged model, AVALANCHE, and laminar Navier-Stokes simulations using the OpenFOAM model. Both models are validated against two 2D benchmarks, a subaerial and a submerged one involving a triangle initial slide shape. In both models, the landslide is defined as a viscous fluid flowing downslope. Except in the first instants, both models can reproduce either the landslide behavior or the generated first water waves but cannot reproduce simultaneously both the landslide and the water surface. There is an overlap in the optimal viscosity range between both models. Sensitivity studies are carried out by varying the slope angle and the landslide submergence for the subaerial benchmark. The largest waves are obtained for initial landslide position close to the free surface. The height of the generated waves increases linearly with the slope angle and the landslide Reynolds number in the depth-averaged model. The relationships are more complex in the Navier-Stokes model. For low slide Reynolds numbers and with an initial slide close to the free surface, both models produce similar waves. Nine additional cases are performed with a k - epsilon turbulence closure model and varying the submergence and the slope angle.

Automated summary

Two simulation approaches for tsunamis generated by granular landslides are proposed and validated, showing that the maximum wave height is related to the initial position of the landslide, slope angle, and landslide Reynolds number. The depth-averaged model and Navier-Stokes model have overlapping optimal viscosity ranges, but produce different relationships between wave height and parameters.