Journal of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering

Journal of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering

Researching Tsunami Hazards in Makran: Insights into Challenges and Non-Seismic and Complex Source Tsunamis

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Amin Rashidi 1
Mohammad Mokhtari 2
Denys Dutykh 3
Mehdi Masoodi 4
Parvaneh Faridi 5
Sara Kiani 6
1 Assistant Professor, Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Mathematics Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
4 Assistant Professor, Tsunami and Earthquake Research Centre (TERC), University of Hormozgan, Bandar-Abbas, Iran
5 Scientific Member of Tsunami and Earthquake Research Centre (TERC), University of Hormozgan, Bandar-Abbas, Iran
6 Assistant Professor, University of Kharazmi, Tehran, Iran
10.48303/jsee.2024.2038994.1120
Abstract
The Makran Subduction Zone (MSZ), located in the northwestern Indian Ocean, is a region with significant tsunami hazard potential due to its tectonic setting and history of seismic activity. While megathrust earthquakes have traditionally been regarded as the primary source of tsunamis in this region, recent research indicates that tsunamis can also be generated by a variety of other mechanisms. These include seismic events from local normal and splay faults, as well as non-seismic processes such as submarine landslides, and meteorological phenomena, collectively referred to as "Non-Seismic and Complex Source Tsunamis." The recognition of these diverse tsunami-generating mechanisms has positioned the MSZ as a critical area of study, attracting considerable scientific attention over the past two decades. Researchers have focused on understanding the historical and paleotsunami records, identifying tsunamigenic sources, and advancing tsunami numerical modeling and hazard assessment techniques specific to the Makran region. This paper reviews the latest developments in tsunami research related to the MSZ, with a particular emphasis on Non-Seismic and Complex Source Tsunamis and the associated challenges in accurately assessing tsunami hazards in this tectonically complex region.
Keywords
Makran
Tsunami
Numerical modeling
Hazard assessment
Complex sources
Challenges

Subjects

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Journal of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering
Volume 26, Issue 4
2024
Pages 71-85

  • Receive Date 18 August 2024
  • Revise Date 21 September 2025
  • Accept Date 17 September 2024
  • Publish Date 01 October 2024