Meteo-tsunami hazard associated with summer thunderstorms in the United Kingdom
Abstract
A recent analysis has suggested that meteorological tsunami (meteo-tsunami) have occurred around the coasts of the United Kingdom (UK), generated by a range of source mechanisms, such as seiching related to storm activity in enclosed basins, the arrival of large far-travelled waves generated in the open ocean, and the local generation of large waves near the coast by thunderstorms and squalls. Fatalities have occurred during meteo-tsunami events in the UK, including those of beach users killed by meteo-tsunami arriving unexpectedly at beaches during summer months, when beaches attract large numbers of recreational users, particularly due to thunderstorm-generated meteo-tsunami. This study surveys historic accounts of tsunami-like waves arriving at the coast in association with near-coastal thunderstorms and identifies up to nine meteo-tsunami events that have occurred in the period 1892-1966, up to five of which may have resulted in fatalities. The risk related to such events is discussed and recommends that some measures be made to educate beach users to the meteo-tsunami hazard associated with offshore thunderstorms.
- Publication:
-
Physics and Chemistry of the Earth
- Pub Date:
- 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.pce.2009.10.005
- Bibcode:
- 2009PCE....34.1016H