In the present work slide-induced tsunamis in the Aegean Sea and their effects in coastal areas are studied using already published data from two regions, which are considered as source areas, one in the north Aegean Sea and the other in the NW part of the Nile delta. The tsunami generation and propagation is simulated by an advanced numerical model based on the nonlinear dispersive wave Boussinesq type of equations. This model also describes the wave breaking process and it is extended in the swash zone to simulate tsunami run up and run down on a beach. Tsunami generation is simulated by adding in the R.H.S. of the continuity equation a time derivative term, which represents the bed level changes. The wave breaking process is incorporated using the surface roller concept. The model results are presented in vulnerability maps showing the computed expected maximum wave height in the coastal zone.
The devastating 2004 tsunami in SE Asia has brought to the wider public notice that the risk of tsunami has been neglected in coastal planning and that improved methods to assess vulnerability of coasts to tsunami inundation are required. The main gap in our knowledge is about what happens when the tsunami wave approaches the nearshore region and then runs inland. These processes need advanced mathematical modeling to be studied because of the complex interaction that takes place with beaches, sediment and coastal structures. Tsunamis in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea have a long and significant history and have accreted much awareness due to the well-established geotectonic regime of the area (i.e. Papadopoulos and Chalkis, 1984; Papazachos and Papazachou, 1997; Soloviev et al., 2000; Papadopoulos, 2003; El-Sayed et al., 2004; Tinti et al., 2004; Papadopoulos and Fokaefs, 2005; Stefatos et al., 2006).
