Cardiff researcher proposes anti-tsunami concept

Sound waves could be used to dissipate the energy of tsunamis and potentially save lives, according to a researcher from Cardiff University.

(Credit: Dr Usama Kadri)

In the journal Heliyon, Dr Usama Kadri, from the university's School of Mathematics, outlines how acoustic-gravity waves (AGWs) could be fired at a tsunami to reduce its amplitude, or height. AGWs are natural sound waves that travel in the oceans, sometimes thousands of metres below the surface. If we could find a way to engineer these waves, we could use them to diminish the energy of tsunamis and protect populations living in coastal areas.

The proposed system would involve two AGWs fired at the tsunami's epicentre to form what's known as a resonant triad. Research suggests that mitigation of surface gravity waves (tsunamis) is possible through a careful resonant triad interaction.

"Within the last two decades, tsunamis have been responsible for the loss of almost half a million lives, widespread long-lasting destruction, profound environmental effects and global financial crisis," said Dr Kadri.