Numerical modeling of the 2013 meteorite entry in Lake Chebarkul, Russia

Abstract

The results of the numerical simulation of possible hydrodynamic perturbations in Lake Chebarkul (Russia) as a consequence of the meteorite fall of 2013 (15 February) are presented. The numerical modeling is based on the Navier–Stokes equations for a two-phase fluid. The results of the simulation of a meteorite entering the water at an angle of 20° are given. Numerical experiments are carried out both when the lake is covered with ice and when it is not. The estimation of size of the destructed ice cover is made. It is shown that the size of the observed ice hole at the place of the meteorite fall is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions, as well as with other estimates. The heights of tsunami waves generated by a small meteorite entering the lake are small enough (a few centimeters) according to the estimations. However, the danger of a tsunami of meteorite or asteroid origin should not be underestimated.