3D numerical simulations of waves generated by subaerial mass failures. Application to la Palma case

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Date of Original Version

1-1-2009

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) waves generated by landslides are simulated using a three-fluid Navier-Stokes VOF model. With this approach, the interaction between slide and water is implicitly solved. The model capabilities are first tested for benchmark cases featuring rigid body motion. Results are good in two dimensions (2D) and encouraging in 3D. Wave generation by a potential collapse of the Cumbre Vieja Volcano, on La Palma island, is then studied. Stability analyses show that the Cumbre Vieja flank is currently highly stable and that potential slide volumes are likely to be closer to 100 km3, rather than the 500 km3 predicted in earlier studies. Results of the Navier-Stokes model show that waves generated are highly dependent upon the details of slide mechanism and kinematics. In our worst 3D scenario (assuming an inviscid fluid), the initial wavelength is 20 km and the wave height decrease due to lateral spreading is high. © 2009 World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Proceedings of the Coastal Engineering Conference

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