Tsunami Modeling of the 2025 and 1952 Kamchatka Earthquakes to Compare With Field Data
Issak Figueroa, Hudson Miles, Kaede Engle Project Mentor(s): Breanyn MacInnes, PhD
This project focused on modeling tsunamis and generating induction plots from the 2025 and 1952 Kamchatka earthquakes and comparing modeled results with field observations to refine interpretations of the earthquake slide behavior during those events. Using GeoClaw, tsunami models were developed for field sites along the Kamchatka coastline, including but not limited to: Asacha Bay, Khodutka, and Zhirovaya. Field data used for comparison include sediment core evidence of the 1952 tsunami collected by Breanyn MacInnes, Tatiana Pinegina, and Joanne Bourgeois, as well as post 2025 tsunami observations of inundation extent identified by vegetation damage. The tsunami models were created by running Python code through Terminal and using pre-existing earthquake models, where key parameters such as epicenter locations and earthquake magnitude were modified. These modifications allowed for the modeling of different earthquake scenarios influencing tsunami behavior at each field site. Model outputs included tide gauge data and maximum inundation plots. Gauge records were analyzed to estimate maximum wave heights and the estimated arrival times of said waves. Multiple earthquake scenarios were tested for both the 2025 and 1952 events using the provided models. The results of which are being used to compare modeled wave heights with observed field constraints and to evaluate the model performance at each site. This project demonstrated how numerical modeling and field observation can be integrated to better understand tsunami behavior and help improve interpretations of past earthquake events. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Tsunami Modeling, Kamchatka Earthquakes, Asacha, Khodutka, Zhirovaya SOURCE Form ID: 71 The North-facing outcrop of Craig’s Hill in Ellensburg, Washington represents a 1.32 Ma history of deposition and plant growth. This study focuses on differentiating these sediments to detail climatic conditions in Kittitas Valley. Samples were collected from this site within sediment units separated by color or thin layers of caliche. Samples were collected in 1cm increments from ± 5cm from unit contacts and the rest of the unit in increments of 5, 10, or 20cm. The outer layer of sediment was removed before collecting roughly 1x1cm samples from underneath. Samples were prepped for carbonate analysis and loss on ignition tests using a mortar and pestle. Samples were grouped together into paleosols or loess deposits through their color, grain size distribution, total carbonate percent, and organic carbon percent. Color was characterized using Munsell soil color charts. To determine grain size distribution, samples were prepared with a solution of 5.5g sodium hexametaphosphate, rested for 24 hours, and then analyzed by a Malvern Mastersizer 3000. Carbonate content was determined through treatment of samples with HCl in enclosed flasks, where the change in volume is proportional to the carbonate content. Organic carbon percentages were determined through loss on ignition tests in a NETZSCH Jupiter, where samples were brought up to 800°C in steps over 4.5 hours. The results of these analyses show that the paleoclimate of Kittitas Valley experienced glacial-interglacial cycles. The onset of the shrub-steppe biome is indicated by higher concentrations of organic carbons, and grainsizes show variability in climate and surface stability. Paleoclimate of the Kittitas Valley § Zachary Karol, Jess Maynard, Sage Morris Project Mentor(s): Breanyn MacInnes, PhD; Carey Gazis, PhD
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Paleoclimate, Paleosol, Loess, Carbonate, Stratigraphy SOURCE Form ID: 194
131
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator