Numerical simulation of the boundary layer flow generated in Monterey Bay, California by the 2010 Chilean tsunami: Case study

Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
By: , and 

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Abstract

This work presents a case study involving the numerical simulation of the unsteady boundary layer generated by the 2010 Chilean tsunami, as measured by field equipment in Monterey Bay, California, USA. A one-dimensional vertical (1DV) boundary layer model is utilized, solving Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, coupled with two-equation kω turbulence closure. Local effects of convective acceleration (converging–diverging effects) on the boundary layer due to the sloping bed are likewise approximated. Four cases are considered involving simulation of: (1) the long tsunami-induced boundary layer flow in isolation, in combination with either (2) convective acceleration effects or (3) energetic short wind waves, and, finally, (4) all effects combined. Reasonable agreement with field measurements is achieved, with model results similarly showing that the tsunami-induced boundary layer in this case only spans a fraction of the local water depth. Systematic comparison of the various cases likewise elucidates the likely significance of both local converging–diverging effects, as well as interaction with the much shorter period wind waves, on the tsunami-generated boundary layer. In the latter case, analogy is drawn to well-known wave–current boundary layer interaction, with the boundary layer turbulence associated with the short wind waves inducing an effective wave roughness felt by the tsunami-induced flow, which effectively plays the role of the current.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Numerical simulation of the boundary layer flow generated in Monterey Bay, California by the 2010 Chilean tsunami: Case study
Series title Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)WW.1943-5460.0000673
Volume 147
Issue 6
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher American Society of Civil Engineers
Contributing office(s) Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 05021012, 9 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Monterey Bay
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