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 was utilized to validate the hydrodynamic modeling tool ANUGA, showing sensitivity to structures and friction parameters.

Use Cases

• Validating tsunami source models based on geodetic earthquake measurements.
• Testing open ocean wave propagation models using satellite altimetry data.
• Assessing near-shore propagation and inundation extent with eyewitness accounts and detailed surveys.
• Performing sensitivity analysis on model parameters like friction and boundary conditions.

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 friction and wave boundary conditions.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and dataset scale 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 combining geodetic measurements, satellite altimetry (Jason satellite), eyewitness accounts, and a detailed inundation survey of Patong Bay, Thailand.

Time Range

Centered on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami event.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-05 05:49:10.031582; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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