Model simulations of tsunamis generated by the Storegga Slides

A mathematical model based on the hydrodynamic shallow water equations is developed for numerical simulation of water waves generated by the submarine Storegga Slides on the Norwegian continental slope. The equations are solved numerically by a finite difference technique. Computations of wave amplification effects reveal run-up heights for the Second Storegga Slide between 3 and 5 m in exposed areas along the eastern coast of Greenland, Iceland and Scotland and the western coast of Norway. The calculated run-up heights agree remarkably well with possible tsunami wave heights deduced from geological evidences along the eastern coast of Scotland. The generated wave heights are strongly dependent on the acceleration of the slide. The effects of shear stress at the interface between the water and the slide body, has turned out to be important.