Salinization by a tsunami in a semi-enclosed bay: tsunami-ocean three-dimensional simulation based on a great earthquake scenario along the Nankai Trough

Abstract

This study investigated the influences of a giant tsunami on salinity in coastal waters based on the scenario of the largest potential tsunamigenic earthquake that could occur along the Nankai Trough in the near future, by conducting an ocean-tsunami coupled three-dimensional simulation in Osaka Bay. This realistic simulation using an unstructured-grid model was capable of evaluating the oceanic salinization induced by the tsunami. Simulated results indicated that tsunami intrusion into the bay head increased salinity and it returned to its previous value within 1 week after the earthquake. The salinization, which continues for a few days, may adversely affect the local brackish biota.