A database of validation cases for tsunami numerical modelling

This work has been performed by a French national consortium within the framework of the national project Tandem, with aim to improve knowledge about tsunami risk on the French coasts. Work-package #1 of this project was the opportunity to build a database of benchmark cases to assess the capabilities of 18 codes, solving various set of equations with different numerical methods. 14 test cases were defined from the existing literature with validation data from reference simulations, theoretical solutions or lab experiments. They cover the main stages of tsunami life: 1) generation, 2) propagation, 3) run-up and submersion, and 4) impact. For each case several of the numerical codes were compared in order to identify the forces and weaknesses of the models, to quantify the errors that these models may induce, to compare the various modelling methods, and to provide users with recommendations for practical studies. In this paper, 3 representative cases are selected and presented with an analysis of the results.