Method for Detection of Meteotsunami Propagation in the Yellow Sea: Reported Cases

Kim, M.-S.; Eom, H.; Lim, E.-P.; Lee, C.-K.; You, S.H., and Woo, S.-B., 2020. Method for detection of meteotsunami propagation in the Yellow Sea: Reported cases. In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 1134–1139. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A new method for the detection of meteotsunami propagation using tide gauge data is described. This method is aimed to prevent disasters caused by meteotsunamis approaching from an unexpected direction. Three reported meteotsunami cases (31 March 2007, 4 May 2008, and 26 April 2011) in the Yellow Sea were analyzed to confirm the adequacy of the proposed propagation algorithm. In the March 31 case, the meteotsunamis propagated eastward at a speed of about 23.8-10.4 m/s from the WNW direction. On May 4, 2008, the meteotsunamis moved toward the accident area from the southwest coast of Korea at a speed of about 27.8-10.9 m/s. The meteotsunamis of 26 April 2011 were focused on the southern part of the Yellow Sea, especially at DaeHeuksando (DH) harbor. In comparison with the result of previous studies, the propagation results calculated using the proposed algorithm showed a similar propagation pattern and a reasonable endpoint toward the point where the accident occurred. By using data from the existing tide gauges, this method for the detection of a meteotsunami propagation can track propagation patterns that vary with time and space. It is expected to be useful when developing a meteotsunami warning system.