Meteotsunami detection and tracking: Developing a solution based on assessment of real-time measurements

Meteorological tsunamis (meteotsunamis) are long ocean waves (periods of: 1 < T < ~120 min) that have the same periods, wavelengths and amplitudes as seismic tsunamis, but are generated by processes in the atmosphere. Meteorological tsunamis occur all over the world.

Although they are never nearly as destructive as seismic tsunamis, meteotsunamis occasionally cause destruction and loss of life.

After several devastating events, firstly national authorities in several countries at risk, and then the global authorities (such as the UNESCO), have begun to look for ways to incorporate meteotsunamis into their forecasting and warning systems and/or to develop meteotsunami warning procedures.

Although important steps have already been taken, forecasting meteotsunamis and issuing timely warnings is still a challenge. As part of the MeD-Track project, we plan to develop a meteotsunami detection and tracking system.

The proposed system will consist of: (1) custom-built atmospheric stations that measure atmospheric pressure with high precision and resolution, and that are (2) organized in an optimal network, as well as (3) an algorithm for detection and tracking of meteotsunamis in real-time.

If effective, the developed solution could lead to an improvement in meteotsunami forecasts and warnings, helping vulnerable local communities to protect their property and well-being.