On the near-bottom pressure variations in the region of the 2003 Tokachi-Oki tsunami source

The Tokachi-Oki earthquake was the strongest seismic event in 2003. The tsunami caused by the earthquake reached a height of four meters at the northeastern coast of Hokkaido. The JAMSTEC successfully recorded the variations of the near-bottom pressure in the region of the tsunami source. An analysis of the data reveals low-frequency (～ 0.15 Hz) elastic vibrations of the water layer. Estimates of the amplitude, velocity, and duration of the bottom deformation at the tsunami source were obtained.     

Modeling radionuclide migration in complex nonuniform water bodies using the POMRad model system

The POMRad system of computer models is developed using the Princeton Ocean Model (POM) program code. The system enables modeling the radionuclide migration in large nonuniform water bodies (seas, bays, large rivers, and lakes) taking account of the migration of radioactive substances in the water mass-bottom system associated with the migration of radionuclides sorbed on suspended sediments and in solutes. In order to take account of radionucide transport with sediments the POM program code is supplemented with the models describing transport, settling, and resuspension of suspended sediments. The verification was carried out through comparing analytical solutions of simplified problems concerning the content of radionuclides in water, and modeling results. A potential of the POMRad application is demonstrated by an example of simulating the radioactivity transport in marine environment in the case of hypothetical accidents in the Saida and Kola bays.     

Tsunami waves of seismic origin: The modern state of knowledge

This review summarizes the concepts of seismogenic tsunami waves. Principles of short-term tsunami forecasting and tsunami recording systems are discussed. The traditional approach to describing tsunami generation by earthquakes is outlined and its drawbacks are analyzed. The main and secondary effects are distinguished which are responsible for the formation of waves by underwater earthquakes. The existing numerical codes of tsunami dynamics are described.