The experiments improving our understanding of volcanic tsunamis
Tsunamis triggered by volcanic eruptions are poorly understood because of the complex dynamics governing how falling rocks and ash interact with seawater to generate waves. As a result, it is difficult to anticipate whether a volcanic flow will trigger a tsunami and, if so, how big it will be. Researchers have used laboratory experiments to study this process, but little is known about how well…
The study in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans explores the challenges in predicting volcanic tsunamis triggered by pyroclastic flows. Researchers A. Bougouin and colleagues compared lab experiments with real observations from Stromboli Island, Italy, where volcanic flows frequently enter the sea, generating tsunamis. Stromboli's constant activity and detailed monitoring system make it ideal for studying these phenomena.
The team focused on three eruptions between 2019 and 2021, comparing field data with lab results. Using a 7-meter-wide water channel and buoyant polystyrene beads to mimic pyroclastic flows, they found that lab experiments cannot accurately predict real-world tsunamis. Most models based on these experiments tend to overestimate wave sizes.
However, the new experiments partially succeeded in reproducing key features like a three-wave pattern and the energy transfer from flows to waves. While this provides an initial step toward improving volcanic tsunami hazard assessment, some limitations remain.
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