Experiments on slide generated waves in a 1:500 scale fjord model

•Experiments in a 1:500 scale fjord model.•Block slide generated waves.•Measured surface elevation, particle velocities, inundation and surface velocities•Feature of the wave system and the inundation is discussed.•Discussion of a future event in a Norwegian fjord system.

An unstable rock-slope is detected in Åkerneset, located in Storfjorden, Western Norway. In the future this rock-slope will produce a slide and a subsequent tsunami. In accordance to this future event, experiments in a 1:500 scale model of the inner part of Storfjorden are performed, where the model geometry is made after the real fjord bathymetry, while the slide is an idealized slide of block-type. The slide motion is monitored and the generated waves are measured at a number of wave gauges in the model. At selected locations local details of the flow, velocities and inundation are measured by digital image techniques and acoustic probes. Features of the wave system and the inundation are elaborately discussed with a view to the future event as well as to the application of models.