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In this paper, we test a method for forecasting in real-time the properties of offshore propagating tsunami waves generated by landslides, with the aim of supporting tsunami early warning systems. The method uses an inversion procedure, that takes input data measurements of water surface elevation at a point close to the tsunamigenic source. The measurements are used to correct the results of pre-computed numerical simulations, reproducing the wave field induced by different landslide scenarios. The accuracy of the method is evaluated using the results of laboratory experiments, aimed at studying tsunamis generated by landslides sliding along the flank of a circular shoreline island. The paper investigates what the optimal position is of where to measure the tsunamis, what the effects are, the accuracy of the results, and of uncertainties on the landslide scenarios. Finally, the method is successfully tested using partial input time series, simulating the behaviour of the system in real-time during the tsunami event when forecasts are updated, as the measurements become available.

During the earthquake that occurred on February 6, 2012, between the Negros and Cebu islands (Philippines), a scuba diver who was about 12 km from the epicenter zone, in about 10 m water depth, was taking audio and video recordings using a GoPro camera. The recorded audio reveals a specific spectral signature few seconds after the earthquake occurrence that appears to be related to hydroacoustic waves. Numerical reproduction of the phenomenon produced waves exhibit a frequency spectrum similar to that recorded. Several previous researches, based on theoretical and/or numerical approaches, indicate that hydroacoustic waves are tsunami precursors and can significantly improve the Tsunami Early Warning System. Currently, such pressure waves generated by submarine earthquakes are seldom measured. Therefore, the records presented in this paper can enhance the research on the in situ data analysis.

Detection of low-frequency hydro-acoustic waves as precursor components of destructive tsunamis can enhance the promptness and the accuracy of Tsunami Early Warning Systems (TEWS). We reconstruct the hydro-acoustic wave field generated by the 2012 Haida Gwaii tsunamigenic earthquake using a 2-D horizontal numerical model based on the integration over the depth of the compressible fluid wave equation and considering a mild sloped rigid seabed. Spectral analysis of the wave field obtained at different water depths and distances from the source revealed the frequency range of low-frequency elastic oscillations of sea water. The resulting 2-D numerical model gave us the opportunity to study the hydro-acoustic wave propagation in a large-scale domain with available computers and to support the idea of deep-sea observatory and data interpretation. The model provides satisfactory results, compared with in situ measurements, in the reproduction of the long-gravitational waves. Differences between numerical results and field data are probably due to the lack of exact knowledge of sea bottom motion and to the rigid seabed approximation, indicating the need for further study of poro-elastic bottom effects.

Tsunamigenic fast movements of the seabed generate pressure waves in weakly compressible seawater, namely hydro-acoustic waves, which travel at the sound celerity in water (about 1500 m s−1). These waves travel much faster than the counterpart long free-surface gravity waves and contain significant information on the source. Measurement of hydro-acoustic waves can therefore anticipate the tsunami arrival and significantly improve the capability of tsunami early warning systems. In this paper a novel numerical model for reproduction of hydro-acoustic waves is applied to analyze the generation and propagation in real bathymetry of these pressure perturbations for two historical catastrophic earthquake scenarios in Mediterranean Sea. The model is based on the solution of a depth-integrated equation, and therefore results are computationally efficient in reconstructing the hydro-acoustic waves propagation scenarios.

The paper presents a numerical model to reproduce the tsunami generation and propagation, which can be applied in real-time to be used as a forecasting tool. Free surface elevation measurements in a point close to the tsunami generation area, allows the real-time prediction of tsunami in the far field. This is possible due to an inversion technique. The measurements and modeling of hydro-acoustic waves could shorten the time for spreading the alarm and reduce the number of false alerts. In the paper new investigation about hydro-acoustic waves are also presented in order to outline their possible use to support Tsunami Early Warning System.

We present a depth-integrated equation for the mechanics of propagation of low-frequency hydroacoustic waves due to a sudden bottom displacement associated with earthquakes. The model equation can be used for numerical prediction in large-scale domains, overcoming the computational difficulties of three-dimensional models and so creating a solid base for tsunami early warning systems.

Pressure waves generated by fast seabed movement in weakly compressible sea water, namely hydro-acoustic waves travel at the sound celerity in water (about 1500 m/s). These waves are precursors of the counterpart long free-surface gravity waves and contain significant information on the tsunamigenic source. Measurement of hydro-acoustic waves can therefore anticipate the tsunami arrival and significantly enhance the promptness and accuracy of tsunami early warning systems. In this paper derivation of a novel depth-integrated numerical model for reproduction of hydroacoustic waves is presented and the application of this computationally ecient model on two devastating historical tsunamis of Mediterranean Sea in real bathymetry analyzed to reveal the eect of variable bathymetry. On the basis of the model results, some hints for deep sea observatory are given.