Field observations and numerical simulations of the 2011 Tohoku tsunami using COMCOT

Kam Tim Chau, K. T S Lam

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The objectives are two-folded: first summarizing field observations made in 2012 and secondly presenting results of numerical simulations of the 2011 Tohoku tsunami. First, this paper summarizes our field observations made along the coastlines of Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures in the Tohoku areas in 2012, including the cities of Ishinomaki, Onagawa, Minamisanriku, Kesennuma, Rikuzentakata, Ofunato, and Kamaishi. Some peculiar observations are reported, including the overturned buildings at Onagawa. Secondly, tsunami simulations were performed using COMCOT (Cornell University based program) based on linear shallow water equations. The resolution of the bathymetry used is based on 1 minute grid downloadable from NOAA website. Three focal mechanism models proposed by United States Geological Survey (USGS), ChineseAcademy of Sciences (CAS) and Tsukuba University (TU) were used to estimate the seismic moment, slip displacement on the fault plane, and fault rupture length and width. Tide gauge readings were used to compare with these computer simulations. In general, the predicted arrival time of tsunami appears earlier than the actual tide record, and the run-up is higher than that of the record, except at certain locations.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationComputer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics - Proc. of the 14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014
PublisherTaylor and Francis - Balkema
Pages1841-1846
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781138001480
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015
Event14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014 - Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 22 Sept 201425 Sept 2014

Conference

Conference14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityKyoto
Period22/09/1425/09/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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