Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 2.3
Current Practice for Inundation Mapping
Organization
Conducting
Inundation
Modeling
State/Region
Description
Alaska
Alaska
Earthquake
Information
Center,
University of
Alaska
Alaskan inundation models are based on the UAF tsunami code that
involves nonlinear shallow water wave theory. Historical events (e.g.,
the 1964 Great Alaskan Tsunami) as well as a set of hypothetical
tsunami scenarios unique for each local community are used for the
tsunami sources. Alaskan inundation modeling is challenging because
of large tidal luctuations (more than 7 m in some localities) and the
lack of accurate bathymetry data.
Atlantic and
Gulf Coasts
University of
Delaware and
Texas A&M
University
It is unclear who is in charge of inundation modeling. Modelers at the
University of Puerto Rico plan to create maps for some selected areas
in the Gulf and East Coast. Modelers at the University of Delaware and
Texas A&M University may also be responsible for the Gulf and East
Coast, respectively.
California
University
of Southern
California and
California
Geological
Survey (CGS)
Inundation maps were released in 2009 and were based on the
MOST numerical code. CGS has modiied the inundation maps using
CGS has modiied the inundation maps using
GIS smoothing and other techniques. Each map uses 6 to 15 local
and distant sources resulting in a single maximum (“worst-case”)
tsunami inundation. The Cascadia subduction zone is the primary
local tsunami threat for northern California, but the state lacks clear
tsunami sources for the area south of Mendocino. Other potential
but important tsunami sources would be distant tsunamis and those
generated from submarine landslides.
numerical code. CGS has modiied the inundation maps using
Hawaii
University of
Hawaii
Hawaiian inundation maps have used the COMCOT numerical code
(http://ceeserver.cee.cornell.edu/pll-group/comcot.htm), which is a
model based on nonlinear shallow water wave theory. Current efforts
Current efforts
are transitioning to the non-hydrostatic model called NEOWAVE
nonlinear shallow water wave theory. Current efforts
theory. Current efforts
. Current efforts
the non-hydrostatic model called NEOWAVE
(Yamazaki et al., 2009). The maximum low depth, maximum
ransitioning to the non-hydrostatic model called NEOWAVE
the non-hydrostatic model called NEOWAVE
The maximum low depth, maximum
inundation, and maximum wave elevation are obtained from the
simulations. Hawaii's inundation model is based on ive historical
distant tsunamis (1946 Aleutian, 1952 Kamchatka, 1957 Alaska, 1960
Chile, and 1964 Alaska tsunamis). After checking other hypothetical
distant tsunamis as well as local sources from the west lank of the
island of Hawaii, it was conirmed that those ive historical events are
the worst cases for Hawaii.
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