| Abstract: | On 26 May 1983 the rivers of the Japanese Islands were invaded by a tsunami from the Sea of Japan. Water levels in five large rivers were measured and were highest midway towards the uppermost point of inundation. The level at the uppermost point was approximately the same as that at the river mouths. As a result of resonance, a standing wave develops in the rivers. The period of the invading tsunami was found to be 80 min. This continental shelf oscillation resulted in a long-wave propagation of the tsunami.The water levels showed another peak in the neighbourhood of estuarine inflows. The period of this wave was estimated to be 20 min; its formation was attributed to generation near the tsunami source.The cross-section and longitudinal profiles of the rivers, together with water flow, complicated the observed water level profiles. |
