Spanish team revolutionizes tsunami prediction with mathematical algorithms

A team of Spanish researchers is carrying out a pioneering project that could revolutionize the way tsunami alerts and other maritime disasters are managed worldwide. Thanks to the development of new mathematical algorithms and the use of state-of-the-art supercomputers, this team led by Manuel J. Castro and Carlos Parés from the University of Malaga, along with Enrique D. Fernández Nieto from the University of Seville, is successfully predicting real-time events such as tsunamis, floods, or avalanches caused by maritime storms. The partial differential equations that characterize the evolution of tsunami waves or submarine landslides are the foundation of this innovative project. Through the modeling and simulation of geophysical fluids, researchers are developing mathematical models that allow for anticipating the impact of these natural phenomena and providing crucial information for decision-making in emergency situations. In a context where every minute counts, the ability to accurately and quickly predict the magnitude of a tsunami or flood can make a difference between life and death. Manuel J. Castro explains that the complexity and rarity of these extreme events make obtaining reliable historical data difficult, making computational simulation essential to understand and anticipate their behavior. The project coordinated by these Spanish experts, funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, not only has a scientific impact in the field of mathematics but is also expected to have a significant social impact. The ability to integrate these advanced mathematical tools into early warning systems and urgent computing platforms could change the way natural disasters are faced worldwide. In practice, some of the models developed by this team of mathematicians are already being used in alert centers in various countries. In Spain, the National Geographic Institute (IGN) uses the Tsunami-HySEA model designed by these researchers for early tsunami warning. In Chile, the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy (SHOA) also employs this numerical tool to manage evacuations and cancel alerts when necessary. Furthermore, in Italy, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) uses these models to simulate events in seas and oceans, while in the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also utilizes this technology for alert management. The importance of having accurate and efficient predictive tools in emergency situations cannot be underestimated. The ability to anticipate and properly manage the response to natural disasters such as tsunamis or floods can save lives and reduce the impact of these events on affected populations. The work carried out by this team of Spanish researchers highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of technology to address complex challenges such as predicting natural disasters. Their contribution to improving early warning systems could mark a turning point in how we face these events in the future.