T.L. Gvelesiani - Georgian Technical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
A. Huber - Consulting Engineer, Zurich, Switzerland
Ch. Koutitas - Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
G.T. Matcharadze - Georgian Technical University, Tbilisi, Georgia

In the paper waves in natural and artificial reservoirs caused by landslides are considered. These waves can endanger human lives as well as the ecological stability of adjacent areas. The issue is considered in the framework of investigation of a two dimensional (2D) case of the wave generation in narrow water basins. Based on the theoretical and experimental data analysis, main parameters predominantly affecting wave process in reservoir are revealed as well as wave decreasing character while it is propagating along the reservoir and wave run-up effects on dams. Based on the analysis of computational data, a simplified “engineering” formula is obtained to ensure short-range forecasting of wave maximal amplitudes (run-up heights) on the upstream face of vertical walls (concrete dams, lakeside protective walls, steep bank slopes, etc.). Comparison shows that the theoretical and experimental results practically are fully consistent with each other.