Near-field and far-field wave features generated by solid block underwater
landslides are described qualitatively and quantitatively. The characterist
ic time of landslide motion and maximum near-field wave amplitude suffice t
o scale many of these water wave features. Criteria are provided to determi
ne if water waves generated by underwater landslides propagate as deepwater
or shallow water waves. Estimates of the dominant far-field wavelength are
provided for both cases. A precise location is given for the beginning of
far-field wave propagation for deepwater waves. Weakly nonlinear and disper
sive effects of shallow water wave propagation are examined. Around 5% of s
olid block maximum kinetic energy is converted into wave energy.