Tsunami Inundation Model Benchmark for the 2004 Indian Ocean Event

A new benchmark for tsunami model validation is proposed based on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The benchmark validates all three stages of tsunami evolution—generation, propagation, and inundation—using geodetic, satellite altimetry, eyewitness, and survey data. It further validates the hydrodynamic modeling tool ANUGA, showing the influence of structures on inundation extent.

Use Cases

• Validating tsunami source models based on geodetic earthquake measurements.
• Testing open ocean wave propagation models using Jason satellite altimetry data.
• Assessing near-shore propagation and inundation models with eyewitness accounts and detailed field surveys.
• Conducting sensitivity analysis on model parameters like friction and initial wave conditions.
• Benchmarking hydrodynamic software like ANUGA for simulating complex inundation scenarios around structures.

Strengths

• Benchmark validates all three stages of tsunami evolution: generation, propagation, and inundation.
• Utilizes multiple observational data sources: geodetic, satellite altimetry, eyewitness, and a detailed inundation survey.
• Includes sensitivity analysis on key model parameters like friction and wave height.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Proposed benchmark based on observational data from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Time Range

Centered on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami event.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-16 16:00:43.818282; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Indian Ocean region, with specific focus on Patong Bay, Thailand.