Effects of Earth Rotation during Tsunami Generation
by Underwater Earthquakes

S. F. Dotsenko

Marine Hydrophysical Institute, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kapitanskaya ul. 2, Sevastopol, 335000 Ukraine;

E-mail: ocean@mh2.sebastopol.ua

Received July 7, 1998; in final form, January 18, 1999

Abstract—The effect of earth rotation on ocean motions caused by underwater earthquakes of a finite duration
is studied within the framework of a linear theory of long waves. A piston model of tsunami generation is
employed. The problem is solved using the method of integral transformations. The solution obtained makes it
possible to describe two-dimensional tsunami waves and the formation of a geostrophic vortex over the zone of
bottom deformation. A qualitative analysis of ocean dynamics is carried out for a model displacement of the
bottom by numerically calculating the integrals. It is shown that the effect of earth rotation on waves is most
significant for extended sources of tsunamis and shallow-water regions of the ocean. In the same cases, the vor-
tex is most intense. The relation between the vortex intensity and the magnitude of an earthquake on the Richter
scale is discussed.

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