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Title: Tsunami Problem

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1547267· OSTI ID:1547267
 [1]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Various sources of information have been explored to determine the probability of waves of tsunami proportions being generated by the ZUNI detonation. Tsunamis are generally characterized by wavelengths of about 50 to 100 miles, and amplitudes of a few feet or less. Considerable damage in the Hawaiian Islands was caused by the tsunami of April 1, 1946, having "a wave length of nearly 100 miles, and a height in the open sea which is thought to have been 2 feet or less". Regarding the ZUNI shot, a question arises whether direct coupling to deep water caused by the breakthrough on the ocean side may result in effects of this type. All available evidence indicates that no waves of any significant height will be produced in the neighborhood of the test area having wavelengths greater than perhaps 2 to 3 miles. It is expected that these waves will propagate in a dispersive train, with the maximum height governed by the factor HR remaining constant, and the predominant wavelengths at all distances not exceeding the above limit of 2 to 3 miles. Therefore the breakthrough phenomenon is not considered to be of serious consequence for tsunami production.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC); USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
1547267
Report Number(s):
UCRL-ID-127830
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English