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INSTRUCTORS:
Joan Villalonga Llauger
Paula Dasí
Myungjin Lee
Ali Abdolali, Ph.D.
Yingqing Qiu, Ph.D., PE
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the International Conference on Coastal Engineering 2026.
Vilanova I la Geltru, A New Meteotsunami Hot Spot in the Western Mediterranean (14 minutes)
This presentation introduces Vilanova i la Geltrú as a newly identified meteotsunami hot spot in the Western Mediterranean. Participants will learn how atmospheric pressure disturbances, Greenspan resonance, and harbor resonance combine to amplify sea level oscillations. The speaker will present field observations, tide gauge measurements, and numerical modeling results that reveal the mechanisms behind these events. Attendees will explore why Vilanova experiences stronger oscillations than nearby locations and how local bathymetry contributes to wave amplification. The session will also discuss implications for coastal infrastructure, harbor operations, and hazard forecasting.
Characterization of Tsunami-Like Waves Using Froude Numbers (11 minutes)
This presentation examines how tsunami-like waves generated in laboratory experiments can be characterized using Froude numbers. Participants will learn how discharge-gate systems can reproduce tsunami-like bores and inundation processes in controlled environments. The speaker will explain the experimental setup, measurement techniques, and classification of wave forms including undular, transitional, and breaking bores. Attendees will gain insight into the relationship between wave velocity, wave height, and Froude number. The session also explores the hydraulic stability of a Cubipod low-crested coastal structure under tsunami-like loading conditions. Results provide valuable information for coastal protection design and tsunami resilience planning.
Long-Period Wave and Tsunami Detection Techniques Using IMU and RTK-GPS Sensors (17 minutes)
Early detection of tsunamis is critical for reducing risks to coastal communities. This presentation introduces a new tsunami detection system that combines RTK-GPS and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors mounted on offshore buoys. Participants will learn how high-precision GPS measurements can detect sea surface displacement and how IMUs can compensate for GPS data gaps. The speaker will explain signal quality control, fault detection, and data reconstruction techniques. Attendees will also explore how tsunami signals are isolated using filtering algorithms and validated through numerical simulations. Case studies demonstrate the system's detection performance under realistic tsunami scenarios. The session highlights opportunities for enhancing national tsunami warning systems.
Role of Ocean Compressibility, Earth Elasticity and Background Density on Long Waves (14 minutes)
This presentation explores how ocean compressibility, Earth elasticity, and density structure affect infragravity waves, tsunamis, and tides. Participants will learn about advanced dispersion relations and the influence of geophysical properties on wave speed and travel time. The speaker will present theoretical developments, sensitivity analyses, and comparisons with observations from major tsunami events. Attendees will gain insight into how these factors improve long-wave predictions and tsunami forecasting models. The session demonstrates the importance of integrating ocean and Earth system interactions into modern wave modeling.
Wave-Structure-Soil Interaction during Earthquake Tsunami Multi-Hazards (11 minutes)
This presentation investigates how soil liquefaction and tsunami forces influence structural performance under multi-hazard conditions. Participants will learn about cyclic and momentary liquefation mechanisms and their effects on foundation stability. The speaker will introduce a semi-coupled numerical model that links earthquake-induced soil behavior with tsunami-induced hydrodynamic loading. Results from Cascadia Subduction Zone scenarios demonstrate how soil properties and wave intensity affect pile response and bending moments. The session provides practical insights for designing resilient coastal and transportation infrastructure.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the physical processes that contribute to meteotsunami amplification in Vilanova i la Geltrú.
- Describe how Froude numbers are used to classify tsunami-like wave behavior and hydraulic characteristics.
- Identify the roles of RTK-GPS and IMU sensors in real-time tsunami detection systems.
- Discuss how ocean compressibility and Earth elasticity influence long-wave propagation and tsunami travel times.
- Explain how soil liquefaction influences wave-structure-soil interactions during earthquake-tsunami events.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Coastal Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Coastal Scientist
- Coastal Resilience Program Manager
- Government Coastal Zone Manager
- University Student or Researcher
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]