Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2009, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (6): 7-14.doi: 10.11978/j.issn.1009-5470.2009.06.007cstr: 32234.14.j.issn.1009-5470.2009.06.007

• Marine hydrology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Simulation of potential tsunami hazards in the South China Sea

PAN Wen-liang1, 3, WANG Sheng-an1, CAI Shu-qun2   

  1. 1. Marine Observation and Research Laboratory(MORL), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, CAS, Guangzhou 510301, China; 2. Laboratory of Tropical Environmental Dynamics (LED), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, CAS, Guangzhou 510301, China; 3. Graduate Univ. of CAS, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2008-09-05 Revised:2009-03-11 Online:2009-12-30 Published:2009-12-12
  • About author:潘文亮(1984—),男,江西省高安市人,博士研究生,主要从事海洋监测技术和海洋灾害研究。
  • Supported by:

    国家自然科学基金项目(40576014);广东省科技计划项目(2005D33201006)

Abstract:

Based on comprehensive consideration of topography, geological structureseismological features and historical records, the authors analyze the hazardous tsunamigenic zones in the South China Sea and discuss the possibility of potential tsunami hazards in the region. A tsunami induced by a hypothetical earthquake in the Manila Trench is simulated using a nested 3-layer grid system with high resolution. Each grid area in the grid system can be configured with its own type of coordinate system depending on its coverage, simulation parameters as well as the governing equations in terms of the characteristics at different stages of tsunami propagation. This flexible, nested grid setup allows for a balance between computational accuracy and efficiency. The simulation resultssuch as the calculated travel time map, maximum surface elevation and water height series at four virtual gauges, indicate that the tsunami hazards could happen on the coasts off South China. Further research is necessary to determine the need for a monitoring system of tsunami in the region.

Key words: earthquake tsunami, numerical simulation, Manila Trench, South China Sea