This project will investigate the unusual seismic source process of tsunami earthquakes and analyse which features of their tectonic setting lead to their extraordinary tsunami excitation. The goal of this project is to help develop rapid tsunami warning systems for tsunami earthquakes which can be issued on the basis of the seismic data.

Why do some shallow earthquakes produce tsunamis and others do not?

Tsunami earthquakes are a class of tsunamigenic earthquakes that produce a tsunami larger than expected for their earthquake size. Tsunami earthquakes can be more hazardous for local residents because they are not warned of an impending tsunami due to the absence of strong ground shaking. This project's goal is to help develop rapid tsunami warning systems for tsunami earthquakes. Seismic methods that tsunami warning centres use fail for tsunami earthquakes because the earthquake size does not indicate its tsunamigenic potential. This project will provide comprehensive models of the earthquake rupture process for tsunami earthquakes that will aid the development of more accurate seismic inversion models and prediction of tsunami amplitudes.

Advisor: Dr Louise Olsen-Kettle

Level of Project: Honours/MSc/PhD