Run-up heights of Tsunami along the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula

Abstract

Most of finite difference numerical models developed for simulation of tsunami propagation are based on the shallow-water equations. If spatial and temporal grid sizes are properly selected, the leap-frog finite difference scheme gives correct dispersion effects for a constant water depth. If a water depth changes, however, dispersion effects of tsunami can not be accurately considered at every grid point in the whole computational domain. In this study, new dispersion-correction terms are added to the leap-frog scheme with a purpose of considering dispersion effects as a water depth changes on a real topography. To verify the practicality of the improved numerical model, the propagation across the East Sea of the Central East Sea Tsunami occurred on 26(th) May, 1983 is simulated. Maximum run-up heights are then predicted at several locations. The predicted run-up heights are compared with available field observed data. A very reasonable agreement is observed.