Estimation of the water waves generated by the landslide in the grijalva river, mexico, 2007

Abstract

Large-scale water waves generated by landslides are one of the most dangerous events in reservoirs. Although the probability of occurrence is low, the consequences can be catastrophic as historical events have shown. The process of generation of the water waves is very complex, and has been studied with the aid of analytical, computational and physical models; empirical equations to estimate the characteristics of the water waves have been obtained depending on the parameters of the landslide. The paper presents a set of equations derived from physical models and real cases studies. The range of parameters and the hypothesis made in the experiments are discussed. Some of those equations are used to estimate the magnitude of the water waves generated as a result of a landslide of 50 Mm3 in the Grijalva River, Chiapas, Mexico, occurred in November 2007. The results are compared with recorded data. The expressions that reproduce better that particular event are brought out and discussed.