Comparative Numerical Modelling of Tsunami Propagation

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Author
Date
2006Permanent Link
http://hdl.handle.net/10092/2148Thesis Discipline
PhysicsDegree Grantor
University of CanterburyDegree Level
DoctoralDegree Name
Doctor of PhilosophyThis thesis uses numerical simulations to assess the most suitable model type for simulating dispersive and non dispersive tsunami wave propagation over a range of bathymetries. These simulations are presented in two parts. The first part highlights differences between results as predicted by a fully nonlinear Boussinesq model (with its ability to predict dispersion) and a non dispersive, linear or weakly nonlinear model, for simulations of a dispersive wave incident at various idealized bathymetric features. The second part determines the efficacy in a real world application of the Boussinesq model as opposed to a nonlinear shallow water model. In addition, a discussion on the geophysical parameters which influence the choice of numerical model for simulating tsunami propagation in a particular bathymetric region is provided.