Toward the Classification of Bays Based on Their Resonant Response to Tsunamis

Abstract

Tsunami-induced resonance has been a topic of significant interest. However, usually the focus is set in understanding the response from either specific or a few events, which may prevent generalization of whether strong bathymetric control occurs. Here, 19 locations and 16 tsunamis were analyzed using standard methods. A set of statistical parameters was introduced to aid in the assessment, leading to the categorization of bays in terms of their resonant capacities. Next, the morphology of these locations was analyzed to identify the type of features driving this response. Adding to other well-known features, it was found that the steepness of the headlands defining a bay in planform is relevant in isolating it from surrounding coasts, thereby enhancing its filtering capacity.