A new numerical model for simulating the propagation of and inundation by tsunami waves A new numerical model for simulating the propagation of and inundation by tsunami waves

A new unstructured grid, finite volume ocean model is described, that is suitable for flooding and drying problems. Here we derive the finite volume analogue of the P 1 −P1 finite element, by interpreting the advective term in the continuity equation in a flux sense. A corresponding non-overlapping control volume is then selected for the momentum equation. The resulting model employs the median node-dual control volume for the water elevations, and edge-wise control volume for the velocities. In contrast to the P 1 −P1 approach, the finite volume model not only guarantees mass conservation in a global sense, but it also explicitly guarantees mass conservation in each individual cell. Another feature of this new model is its ability to conserve momentum locally, and by applying a correction factor it can preserve constant energy head along a streamline in the case of rapidly