Tsunami sources created by subduction-type earthquakes are usually confined to strips of a large but finite aspect ratio. We analyze such tsunamis that propagate across a region of finite depth. Based on classical shallow-water-wave theory, an accurate and convenient form of the asymptotic solution is obtained for comprehensive descriptions of the non-dispersive aspects of the waves. The directivity of the energy radiation and the domain of pulse persistence are quantitatively described. Our analysis gives an estimate of the initial water-surface displacement at the tsunami source of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, which turns out to be in excellent agreement with the result computed from the seismic wave inversion.

Authors: 
George F. Carrier and Harry Yeh
Product Number: 
ORESU-R-10-027
Source (Journal Article): 
In: Water Waves - Theory and Experiment (editors: M.F. Mahmood, D. Henderson, and H. Segur), World Scientific Publishing, Singapore, 120-139.
Year of Publication: 
2010
Price: 
NA
Length: 
20 pp.