Abstract:
Tsunami is one of the most devastating natural disasters which
cannot be prevented or precisely predicted even with the modern advanced
technology. One of the best solutions for prediction as well as for the risk analysis
of this natural disaster is Numerical Modelling. Present study focuses on the
generation of earthquake induced different Tsunami scenarios from the potentially
high amplitude earthquake generation zones in the Indian Ocean using Tsunami
numerical modelling. Simulation modelling for different scenarios was carried out
for source, propagation and inundation using UNESCO/IOC recommended
interfaces of AVI NAMI and ComMIT, which uses TUNAMI N2 model. Etopo 2,
JEBCO (combine SRTM, ETOP2 and Sea Map data) were used for bathymetry
analysis. Distribution of wave heights, run up heights for given locations and arrival
times of the waves were simulated as output data. Different Tsunamis were
simulated, taking Java Sumathra and Macrum zones as Tsunami sources. Wave
heights and propagation of Tsunami waves around twelve locations of Sri Lanka
were analysed and vulnerable areas for different scenarios were identified. Results
further indicated that if a Tsunami is triggered at Java-Sumatra, Southern part of Sri-
Lanka will be severely affected, and particularly the Yala region, because of the
direct hit of the Tsunami waves. ComMIT simulation results showed strong
coupling to Tsunami sediment data and actual tidal records for 26th December 2004
Tsunami. Therefore, ComMIT seems to be one of the best models for Tsunami
warning and forecasting in Sri Lanka.
Citation:
Rathnayake, R.M.M.T., Nilminie, W.N.R.P.N., Senanayake, D.S., & Rathnayake, N.P. (2007). Application of simulation methods to understand tsunami processes around the coastal region of Sri Lanka. In S. Karunaratne (Ed.), Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Conference on Minerals for a Better Future – A Multidisciplinary Approach (pp. 5-8). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa.