Tracing the spatial and temporal variabilities of tsunamites on Crete Island (Greece) by sedimentological, geophysical and geodetical methods

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Klaus Reicherter; Professor Dr. Andreas Vött
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2013 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 228006711

The main topic of our project is to investigate the spatial and temporal variabilities of tsunamigenic deposits on the island of Crete (Greece) by geophysical methods and applied sedimentology depending on local geomorphologies and sediment sources in order to achieve realistic tsunami landfall and backflow scenarios for palaeotsunami events. Such scenarios are an essential fundament for modern tsunami risk assessment. Our interdisciplinary and highly promising approach - based on in-depth geoscientific analyses, (palaeo) geographical syntheses and geochronological studies - has not yet been pursued by the international palaeotsunami community and is expected to allow more detailed information on the geographical distribution of tsunamites of selected events well known to have strongly affected the eastern Mediterranean. From a geoarchaeological point of view, we aim at a better understanding of the dimension, dynamic and effects of tsunamigenic destruction of ancient harbour sites on Crete, which are known to have been struck by tsunami events.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants