Numerical study for Sunda Strait Tsunami wave propagation and its mitigation by mangroves in Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract

The 2D Non-linear Shallow Water Equations are used to investigate the propagation of tsunami waves. We find a numerical solution using the finite volume method on a staggered grid. Several benchmark tests are conducted to assess the ability of our numerical scheme to model tsunami waves. Following these tests, we use our numerical scheme to simulate the 2018 Sunda Strait Tsunami. Moreover, we provide a mitigation solution in the form of procuring mangroves in several potential areas. The effectiveness of mangrove trees in attenuating these waves is also studied by modifying the NSWE model, involving a friction term to represent the presence of a porous structure. Our results indicate that the mangrove forest density affects wave attenuation and that mangroves are effective in dampening waves. Furthermore, the result of this work could be used to justify retaining mangroves as a coastal defense measure.

Keywords

• 2D non-linear shallow water equations
• Tsunami
• Wave attenuation
• Mangrove