Experimental investigation on potential high-position landslide-generated impulse waves: A case study of the Meilishi landslide in the Gushui Reservoir, China

Abstract

Landslide-generated impulse waves are characterized by their sudden and catastrophic nature, often limiting the availability of actual measurement data. To address this challenge, physical model experiments effectively replicate such geological hazards. Based on the Meilishi landslide in the Gushui Reservoir, a 1:150 scale three-dimensional prototype physical model is constructed, with sliding velocity as an independent variable to carry out 10 scenarios. Results reveal that the generated waves in the near field are nonlinear transitional waves, characterized by fragmentation and fluctuation. Unlike submarine and partially-submerged landslides, subaerial landslides generate larger wave crests first and then troughs. The maximum primary wave amplitude is positively correlated with the Froude number, as the larger the Froude number results in stronger impacts and higher wave generation efficiency. Wave propagation can be divided into rapid and gentle attenuation, with higher sliding velocities leading to faster attenuation along the river. A formula for calculating the maximum wave run-up on the dam is derived, showing good agreement between predicted and experimental values. This study's findings help us further understand the whole generation and propagation process of impulse waves induced by the potential failure of the Meilishi landslide, and the results contribute to studies of similar tsunami hazards worldwide.