Tsunami Inundation Model Benchmark Based on the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

A benchmark dataset for validating tsunami inundation models is proposed based on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The benchmark utilizes geodetic earthquake measurements, satellite altimetry, eyewitness accounts, and a detailed inundation survey of Patong Bay, Thailand. It is used to validate the ANUGA hydrodynamic modeling tool and assess the influence of structures and friction on model predictions.

Use Cases

• Validate tsunami source models based on geodetic measurements of the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake.
• Test open ocean tsunami propagation models based on Jason satellite altimetry data.
• Assess near-shore propagation and inundation models based on eyewitness accounts and detailed survey data from Patong Bay.
• Conduct sensitivity analysis for model parameters like friction and wave height based on the described benchmark methodology.

Strengths

• Benchmark validates all three stages of tsunami evolution: generation, propagation, and inundation.
• Incorporates multiple observational data types: geodetic, satellite altimetry, eyewitness, and detailed survey.
• Includes sensitivity analysis on factors like friction and wave height perturbations.

Limitations

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

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Proposed benchmark methodology utilizing observational data from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Time Range

Centered on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami event.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-10 19:57:11.640308; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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