Experimental study of the runup of tsunami waves on a smooth sloping beach

Abstract

A series of large-scale laboratory flume experiments are performed using a pneumatic long-wave generator to simulate tsunami-length trough-led waves. The periods generated are from approximately 6.5 – 37, 40, 72 and 230 s. The runup of these waves is measured on a 1:20 sloping beach. Preliminary results from these tests are presented. The reflections of long waves is discussed. Runup of the 230 s waves is found to be lower than the waves with periods of less than 72 s and previously published data in the literature. Plots of various wave parameters against runup show the strongest positive correlations to be with the crest amplitude and the total potential energy for all wave periods presented. The shorter period data shows a reasonably good fit to available runup relationships, with the longer 40, 72 and 230 s waves showing a poorer fit, suggesting another relationship. Outlines of extensive further work is also given