Observation and simulation of atmospheric gravity waves exciting subsequent tsunami along the coastline of Japan after Tonga explosion event
Published in Scientific Reports, 2022
Abstract
Tsunamis are commonly generated by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. The tsunami following the Tonga eruption of 2022 is believed to have been excited by atmospheric pressure fluctuations from the volcanic explosion. The first, fast-traveling tsunami was excited by Lamb waves, but the mechanism of the more prominent subsequent tsunami was unclear. This study investigates atmospheric gravity waves that excited the subsequent tsunami based on observations and atmosphere-ocean coupling simulations. Atmospheric fluctuations are classified as Lamb waves, acoustic waves, or gravity waves. The gravity wave propagated at ~215 m/s, coinciding with the tsunami velocity in the Pacific Ocean, suggesting Proudman resonance. These findings provide an essential basis for investigating volcano-induced meteotsunamis.
Recommended citation: Nishikawa, Y., Yamamoto, M., Nakajima, K., et al. (2022). "Observation and simulation of atmospheric gravity waves exciting subsequent tsunami along the coastline of Japan after Tonga explosion event." Scientific Reports, 12, 22354.
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