A new multi-sensor approach to simulation assisted tsunami early warning

Abstract

Abstract.A new tsunami forecasting method for near-field tsunami warning is presented. This method is applied in the German-Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System, as part of the Indonesian Tsunami Warning Center in Jakarta, Indonesia. The method employs a rigorous approach to minimize uncertainty in the assessment of tsunami hazard in the near-field. Multiple independent sensors are evaluated simultaneously in order to achieve an accurate estimation of coastal arrival times and wave heights within very short time after a submarine earthquake event. The method is validated employing a synthetic (simulated) tsunami event, and in hindcasting the minor tsunami following the Padang 30 September 2009 earthquake.

Postface "The GITEWS Project – results, summary and outlook"

“…The modelling group (WP 5000) covers the complete spectrum of tsunami modelling from source modelling through wave propagation to run up modeling (Behrens et al, 2010). The strategy used in this project is especially designed for the challenge of near-field tsunami forecast and integrates a multi-sensor approach for the characterization of the tsunami source, especially taking into account the co-seismic deformation measured by continuous GPS.…”

The GITEWS ocean bottom sensor packages

“…Both, time of arrival and anomaly time series are planned to be included in the selection of the most appropriate premodelled tsunami scenario (Behrens et al, 2010). The current implementation of the selection algorithm in fact does not use bottom pressure data, as these instruments have not yet been operational in GITEWS.…”

“…To improve quantitative inundation predictions and to also protect against tsunamis caused by landslides, direct oceanic sea-level measurements offer a second in-situ data channel (faster than 10 min), though at slower response times than achieved by the land-based instruments (<5 min). Overall, GITEWS aims at providing reliable warning bulletins within at least 10 min of the earthquake (Behrens et al, 2010).…”

Towards an Integrated Information Logistics for Multi Hazard Early Warning Systems

“…provides forecasts for run-up heights and arrival times on the basis of real-time sensor measurements [29] according to the IOC requirements for Regional Tsunami Watch Provider (RTWP) [30]. The simulation system provides different kinds of products such as isochrones visualizing wave propagation or tide gauge level predictions for comparison with real-time sensor measurements.…”