CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
Search Results
Author : Dunbar, D.; Leblond, P.; and Murty, T. S.
Date : 1989
Title : Maximum tsunami amplitudes an associated currents on the coast of British Columbia.
Publication : Science of Tsunami Hazards
Issue : 7:
Page(s) : 3-44.
Abstract
Maximum tsunami water levels and currents along the British Columbia outer coast have been computed for waves originating from Alaska, Chile, the Aleutian Islands (Shumagin Gap), and Kamchatka. three computer models have been developed to generate and propagate a tsunami form each of these source regions in the Pacific Ocean to the continental shelf off Canada's west coast, and into twenty separate inlet systems. The model predictions have been verified against water level measurements made at tide gauges after the March 28, 1964 Alaska earthquake. Simulated seabed motions giving rise to the Alaskan and Chilean tsunamis have been based on surveys of vertical displacements made after the great earthquakes of 1964 (Alaska) and 1960 (Chile). Hypothetical bottom motions have been used for the Shumagin Gap and Kamchatka simulations. These simulations represent the largest tsunamigenic events to be expected from these areas. Maximum wave and current amplitudes have been tabulated for each simulated tsunami at 185 key locations along the British Columbia coast. On the north coast of British Columbia, the Alaska tsunami generated the largest amplitudes. In all other regions of the west coast, the largest amplitudes were generated by the Chumagin Gap simulation. Wave amplitudes in excess of 9 m were predicted at several locations along the coast and current speeds of 3 to 4 m/s were produced. The most vulnerable regions are the outer coast of Vancouver Island, the west coast of Graham Island, and the central coast of the mainland. Some areas, such as the north central coast, are sheltered enough to limit expected maximum water levels to less than 3 m.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology