From laboratory experiments to geophysical tsunamis generated by subaerial landslides

Modeling of tsunami waves generated by subaerial landslides is important to provide accurate hazard and risk assessments in coastal areas. We perform small-scale laboratory experiments where a tsunami-like wave is generated by the gravity-driven collapse of a subaerial granular column into water. We show that the maximal amplitude reached near-shore by the generated wave in our experiments is linked to the instantaneous immersed volume of grains and to the ultimate immersed deposit. Despite the differences in scale and geometry between our small-scale experiments and the larger-scale geophysical events, a rather good agreement is found between the experimental law and the field data. This approach offers an easy way to estimate the amplitude of paleo-tsunamis.

Automated summary

Modeling tsunami waves generated by subaerial landslides is crucial for accurate hazard and risk assessments in coastal areas. Small-scale laboratory experiments show a strong correlation between the amplitude of generated waves and the volume of grains, offering a reliable way to estimate the amplitudes of paleo-tsunamis. Despite differences in scale and geometry, there is a good agreement between experimental laws and field data.