Tsunami Simulation Lab

Tsunami Simulation – Wave Generation & Coastal Impact

Tsunamis are long-wavelength ocean waves triggered by rapid vertical displacement of the seafloor, most often by large submarine earthquakes but also by volcanic collapses and landslides. Unlike ordinary wind waves, tsunamis travel at speeds exceeding 800 km/h in the open ocean and only slow down—while growing dramatically in height—as they enter shallow coastal water. This simulation models wave genesis, transoceanic propagation, and the shoaling and run-up that determine coastal inundation extent.

What you can do in this simulation

• Trigger a tsunami by choosing a seismic source, landslide, or volcanic collapse and set the vertical seafloor displacement
• Track wave propagation across an ocean basin and observe how wave speed varies with water depth
• Watch wave shoaling in coastal shallows and measure how wave height amplifies as wavelength compresses
• Adjust coastal bathymetry and topography to compare run-up heights on steep cliffs versus gently sloping shores
• Examine how early warning systems use deep-ocean pressure sensors (DART buoys) to detect passing tsunami waves

Concepts covered

wave shoaling · run-up · seafloor displacement · wave propagation · bathymetry · DART buoy warning systems

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