Simulating landslide-induced tsunamis in the Yangtze River at the Three Gorges in China

Abstract Landslide-induced tsunamis may cause fatalities, damages and financial losses. In the Three Gorges Reservoir Area of China, several large landslides are still unstable persistently creeping toward Yangtze River. this paper, we investigate impacts landslide-induced in by using a hybrid numerical approach. One largest mass area, Huangtupo landslide, is chosen as study object. First, landslide deformation initiating velocities obtained finite-discrete element method. The their on shipping River then investigated through smooth particle hydrodynamics modelling. Our results reveal that an approximately 80% reduction shear strength tip will lead to catastrophic failure with sliding up 8 m/s. Subsequently, such collapse initiate river tsunami, propagating 9 m nearby reservoir banks within 3 km. surrounding floating objects, surges sways, heaves rolls, 110 m, 6°, respectively. simulations indicate although likelihood whole low, partial poses severe threat Thus, recommend continuous monitoring well early warning systems at also other hazardous sites area.