Amplitude variations of edge waves on a shelf slowly varying in the alongshore direction

Within the framework of the linear shallow-water theory, the dynamics of edge waves over a shelf characterized by a cylindrical bottom relief is investigated under the assumption that shelf parameters vary slowly in the alongshore direction. An asymptotic theory and an energy approach are used to calculate the amplitude of the edge wave. In the analytic form, the results are obtained for shelves of three different profiles with parameters varying along the shore: an infinite linear profile, a concave exponential profile, and a stepwise profile.     

Nonlinear effects at the initial stage of tsunami-wave development

An analytical solution to shallow-water nonlinear equations determining the height of tsunami waves leaving the source is obtained. The initial water-level displacement in the source and the distribution of particle velocities are set. The numerical solution showed that analytical estimates fit well with source characteristics varying in a broad range, even if the waves produced by the source collapse.     

The 1996 Sulawesi Tsunami

On 1 January, 1996 at 16:05 p.m. local time, an earthquake of magnitude M = 7.8 struck the central part of Sulawesi Island (Indonesia). It was accompanied by tsunami waves 2–4 m high. Nine people were killed and 63 were injured. A tsunami survey was conducted by Indonesian and Russian specialists. The measured tsunami runup heights and eyewitness accounts are reported and discussed. Historical data on the Sulawesi Island tsunamis are analysed and tsunami risk prediction in the central part of Sulawesi Island carried out for the first time.     

Run-up of solitary waves on slopes with different profiles

The problem of sea-wave run-up on a beach is discussed within the framework of exact solutions of a nonlinear theory of shallow water. Previously, the run-up of solitary waves with different forms (Gaussian and Lorentzian pulses, a soliton, special-form pulses) has already been considered in the literature within the framework of the same theory. Depending on the form of the incident wave, different formulas were obtained for the height of wave run-up on a beach. A new point of this study is the proof of the universality of the formula for the maximum height of run-up of a solitary wave on a beach for the corresponding physical choice of the determining parameters of the incident wave, so that the effect of difference in form is eliminated. As a result, an analytical formula suitable for applications, in particular, in problems related to tsunamis, has been proposed for the height of run-up of a solitary wave on a beach.     

Transformation of internal tidal waves over the Guinean shelf

Transformation of internal tidal waves over the Guinean shelf is studied on the basis of theoretical and field research. This area is characterized by the presence of a narrow high-frequency waveguide. Internal tides propagating over the shelf are similar to shock waves. Short-period oscillations with an amplitude of 15 m develop at the wave's fore front. A shock wave is generated at the phase of a syzygial tide.Translated by V. Puchkin.     

Asteroid impact in the Black Sea. Death by drowning or asphyxiation?

Normally the consequences of an impact of an asteroid in a water body are discussed in terms of the beach run up of impact-generated waves. If even a small asteroid would hit the Black Sea, however, the potential emissions of toxic and flammable gases could be more disastrous to the region (comprised of Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey and Bulgaria) than the tsunami caused by the impact.     

The Moneron Tsunami of September 5, 1971, and Its Manifestation on the Sakhalin Island Coast: Numerical Simulation Results

Observation data on the September 5, 1971, earthquake that occurred near the Moneron Island (Sakhalin) have been analyzed and a numerical simulation of the tsunami induced by this earthquake is conducted. The tsunami source identified in this study indicates that the observational data are in good agreement with the results of calculations performed on the basis of shallow-water equations.