Freundt, Armin , Strauch, W., Kutterolf, Steffen and Schmincke, Hans-Ulrich (2007) Volcanogenic tsunamis in lakes: examples from Nicaragua and general implications. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 164 . pp. 527-545. DOI 10.1007/s00024-006-0178-z.

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Abstract

This paper emphasizes the fact that tsunamis can occur in continental lakes and focuses on
tsunami triggering by processes related to volcanic eruptions and instability of volcanic edifices. The two
large lakes of Nicaragua, Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua, host a section of the Central American
Volcanic Arc including several active volcanoes. One case of a tsunami in Lake Managua triggered by an
explosive volcanic eruption is documented in the geologic record. However, a number of events occurred in
the past at both lakes which were probably tsunamigenic. These include massive intrusion of pyroclastic
flows from Apoyo volcano as well as of flank-collapse avalanches from Mombacho volcano into Lake
Nicaragua. Maar-forming phreatomagmatic eruptions, which repeatedly occurred in Lake Managua, are
highly explosive phenomena able to create hugh water waves as was observed elsewhere. The shallow water
depth of the Nicaraguan lakes is discussed as the major limiting factor of tsunami amplitude and
propagation speed. The very low-profile shores facilitate substantial in-land flooding even of relatively
small waves. Implications for conceiving a possible warning system are also discussed.

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