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Influence of geomorphology and bathymetry on the effects of the 2004 tsunami at Colachel, South India

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Abstract

The paper reports a study of the effects of the 26th December 2004 tsunami on a 3 km length of coastline in southern India. GIS maps were prepared based on field surveys and accounts given by eye-witnesses and survivors. It is concluded that the main height and run-out of the wave were much affected by the on-shore topography and off-shore bathymetry. Where the water immediately off-shore is deepest, the wave was highest, reaching some 10 m. The extent of the inundation is exacerbated by the presence of creeks/estuaries, where it extended to a kilometer inland, and minimized by the presence of a rocky coastline. Recommendations are made to mitigate the hazard.

Résumé

L’article présente une étude sur les effets du tsunami du 26 décembre 2004 sur une côte de 3 km de longueur de l’Inde du sud. Des cartes sur support SIG ont été préparées sur la base de reconnaissances de terrain et de récits de témoins oculaires et de survivants. On conclut que la hauteur et la distance d’arrêt de la vague ont été beaucoup affectées par la bathymétrie en mer et la topographie à terre. Lorsque la profondeur d’eau en mer est la plus importante, la vague était la plus haute, atteignant 10 m. L’extension de la zone inondée est exacerbée par la présence d’anses et d’estuaires, atteignant dans ce cas une distance d’un kilomètre, et diminuée par la présence d’une côte rocheuse. Des recommandations sont faites afin de limiter les effets de cet aléa.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to The Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC), SERO, Hyderabad for providing the financial assistance under Minor Project Scheme (MRP.812/05, Link No.1812.0).

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Correspondence to C. Hentry.

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Hentry, C., Chandrasekar, N., Saravanan, S. et al. Influence of geomorphology and bathymetry on the effects of the 2004 tsunami at Colachel, South India. Bull Eng Geol Environ 69, 431–442 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-010-0303-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-010-0303-1

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