Open Source Tsunami Simulation Models: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Tsunami has less frequency of occurrence compared to other disasters such as flood, landslide, earthquake, and volcanic eruptions. Nevertheless, tsunami has caused significantly higher casualties compared to other disasters. It is therefore extremely important for researchers as well as local governments to conduct tsunami simulation to predict the tsunami potentials by generating tsunami hazard map for their local areas. Further, to make the model accessible by different stakeholders, open source tsunami simulation model is highly necessary. In this study, a systematic review of open source tsunami simulation models that have been widely used in literature during the last decade will be presented. Each model will be reviewed based on a number of aspects such as governing equation, discretization method, computation method, availability of parallel running, availability of slip distribution input, stability criterion, and the complexity of necessary input files. The ability to conduct inundation simulation, which is critical for tsunami mitigation system, will be especially examined in each model. Further, availability of pre-processing and post-processing tools will be described. Tools for bathymetry and topography input, mesh generator, initial surface elevation generator, and visualization tools will be reviewed. Finally, the performance of each model will be assessed from validation point of view including analytical cases, experimental cases, and real cases.