Mega-Ship-Generated Tsunami: A Field Observation in Tampa Bay, Florida

The displacement of a large amount water in moderate-sized estuary by fast-moving mega-ship can generate tsunami-like waves. Such waves, generated cruise ships, were observed Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. Two distinct, long waves measured, which associated with the passage ship. first wave had period 5.4 min and height 0.40 m near shoreline. second 2.5 was 0.23 high. peak velocity onshore flow during reached 0.65 m/s. shorter, propagated considerably faster than breaking zone. measured celerity less 50% calculated values, using shallow approximation dispersion equation, suggesting that nonlinear effects play an important role. A fundamental similarity among generation tsunamis, as induced mega-ships, landslides or earthquakes, is process causes vertical at sea surface, where freely propagating produced. This mega-ship-generated tsunami provides prototype field laboratory for systematically studying dynamics, particularly strong turbulent flows nearshore, tsunami–land interactions. It also realistic demonstration public education, essential preparation management this unpreventable hazard.