METEOROLOGICAL TSUNAMIS IN SOUTHERN BRITAIN: AN HISTORICAL REVIEW* |
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| Authors: | SIMON K HASLETT EDWARD A BRYANT |
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| Institution: | 1. Dr. Haslett is a professor of geography at the University of Wales, Newport np18 3qt, Wales.;2. Dr. Bryant is an associate professor emeritus of geography at the University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACT. Meteorological tsunamis, or meteo‐tsunamis, are long‐period waves that possess tsunami characteristics but are meteorological in origin, although they are not storm surges. In this article we investigate the coast of southern Britain‐the English Channel, the Bristol Channel, and the Severn Estuary‐for the occurrence of tsunami‐like waves that, in the absence of associated seismic activity, we recognize as meteo‐tsunamis. The passage of squall lines over the sea apparently generated three of these events, and two seem to have been far‐traveled, long‐period waves from mid‐North Atlantic atmospheric low‐pressure systems. The remaining three wave events appear to have been associated with storms that, among possible explanations, may have induced large‐amplitude standing waves‐such as seiches‐or created long‐period waves through the opposition of onshore gale‐force winds and swells with high ebb tidal current velocities. This coastal hazard has resulted in damage and loss of life and should be considered in future coastal defense strategies and in beachuser risk assessments. |
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| Keywords: | coastal hazards meteo‐tsunamis Great Britain storms weather |
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