Tsunami simulation enables to indicate the estimated wave heights at each coast, to be used to develop the evacuation programs, and the estimated time of arrival of tsunamis once it emerged, to be used for the evacuation warnings.
Tsunami propagation is a function of the depth of water. However available bathymetric data in some portions of the Indian Ocean are very sparsely distributed. Therefore, even the most recent international bathymetric map, GEBCO*, might still miss major underwater topographic features and/or still have the absolute depth error of the order of hundreds of meters. Dense and accurate bathymetric data at the open ocean are essential to know when and where the tsunami arrives.
Near-shore bathymetry plays a crucial role in the landing height of the tsunami. For the precise and reliable tsunami simulation, bathymetric data of 50-meter grid or finer resolution are effective. Bathymetric data of this resolution need intensive swath surveys, which may not have thoroughly done at the coastal areas of Indian Ocean.
Consequently;
EAn international bathymetric survey program for the Indian Ocean may help improve the simulation of the open ocean tsunami propagation.
EInternational support program for the precise coastal bathymetric survey of each literal nation with the capacity building may help these countries precisely simulate the tsunami behavior at their coast. EJapan Coast Guard is pleased to demonstrate and share its experience and cooperate in this field, including the bathymetric surveys, and tsunami simulation at sea areas. Example of tsunami simulation at sea areas for select Japanese harbors can be found in the JCG website.Contact Point:International affairs Office,
Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department,
Japan Coast Guard
Internet Address:http://www1.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/KAIYO/tsunami-E/index.html