Publication: Scenarios for earthquake-generated tsunamis on a complex tectonic area of diffuse
deformation and low velocity: The Alboran Sea, Western Mediterranean
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Publication Date
2011
Authors
Aniel Quiroga, Íñigo
González, Mauricio
Olabarrieta, Maitane
Carreño Herrero, Emilio
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Elsevier B.V.
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Abstract
The tsunami impact on the Spanish and North African coasts of the Alboran Sea generated by several reliable
seismic tsunamigenic sources in this area was modeled. The tectonic setting is complex and a study of the
potential sources from geological data is basic to obtain probable source characteristics. The tectonic
structures considered in this study as potentially tsunamigenic are: the Alboran Ridge associated structures,
the Carboneras Fault Zone and the Yusuf Fault Zone. We characterized 12 probable tsunamigenic seismic
sources in the Alboran Basin based on the results of recent oceanographical studies. The strain rate in the area
is low and therefore its seismicity is moderate and cannot be used to infer characteristics of the major seismic
sources. These sources have been used as input for the numerical simulation of the wave propagation, based
on the solution of the nonlinear shallow water equations through a finite-difference technique. We calculated
the Maximum Wave Elevations, and Tsunami Travel Times using the numerical simulations. The results are
shown as maps and profiles along the Spanish and African coasts. The sources associated with the Alboran
Ridge show the maximum potential to generate damaging tsunamis, with maximum wave elevations in front
of the coast exceeding 1.5 m. The Carboneras and Yusuf faults are not capable of generating disastrous
tsunamis on their own, although their proximity to the coast could trigger landslides and associated sea
disturbances. The areas which are more exposed to the impact of tsunamis generated in the Alboran Sea are
the Spanish coast between Malaga and Adra, and the African coast between Alhoceima and Melilla.