3D physical modeling of tsunamis generated by submerged landslides at a conical island. The role of initial acceleration

This paper presents a new set of 3D experiments aimed to gain insight on the role of the initial acceleration upon the generation process of tsunamis by submerged landslides that may occur at the flanks of conical islands. The experiments have been carried out in a large wave tank by varying the initial acceleration of the landslide model. A novel system, relying on the use of a computer controlled stepped motor, has been employed to control the motion of the landslide model. The experiments have been carried out in a parametric way by changing the initial acceleration of the landslide, aiming to reproduce different triggering mechanisms. Preliminary experimental findings confirmed the crucial role of the initial acceleration of the submerged landslide in generating tsunamis.