Kwok Fai Cheung

Professor

  • 808-956-3485
  • 2540 Dole Street, Holmes Hall 402
    Honolulu, HI 96822 USA
  • cheung@hawaii.edu

Coastal and offshore engineering, marine hydrodynamics, computational methods, sediment transport, water wave mechanics.

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Professional Qualifications

  • PhD, Civil Engineering (Offshore Engineering), University of British Columbia, 1991
  • MASc, Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering), University of British Columbia, 1987
  • BASc, Civil Engineering (Management Option), University of Ottawa, 1985
  • PE, Civil Engineering, State of Hawaii, 1999 – Present
  • PEng, Civil Engineering, Province of British Columbia, 1993 – 1999

Professional Experience

  • Professor (2001 – Present), Department Chair (2001 – 2007), Graduate Chair (2001 – 2007, 2012 – 2024)
    Assistant Professor (1993 – 1998), Associate Professor and Associate Chair (1998 – 2001), Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Visiting Researcher (Summer 2004), Center for Innovation in Ship Design, Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, West Bethesda, Maryland
    Integration of metocean and vessel performance data in logistics simulations
  • Visiting Researcher (Summer 2001), National Institute for Coastal and Marine Management, Rijkswaterstaat, The Hague, The Netherlands
    Investigation of morphodynamics and sand bypassing at Ameland Inlet, Friesland
  • Visiting Researcher (Summer 1996 & 1997), International Research Centre for Computational Hydrodynamics, Danish Hydraulic Institute, Hørsholm, Denmark
    Software development for hydrodynamic analysis of offshore structures
  • Civil/Coastal Engineer (1991 – 1993), Ports and Marine Department, Sandwell Engineering, Inc. (currently Ausenco Ltd.), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Representative Projects: Tidal, logistic, and economic analysis for expansion of Port Amamapare, Indonesia; Bulk and offshore terminal design, La Loma Coal Port, Colombia; Queensborough Bridge seismic retrofit design, British Columbia; Outfall preliminary design and cost estimation, Irving Pulp & Paper, Nova Scotia; Container and bulk terminal design, Port of Long Beach, California; Sakhalin-2 Molikpad refitting, Russia

Awards & Honors

  • Resources Conservation and Climate Change Project-of-the-Year Award, Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, 2014
  • Dr. Gaylord R. Miller Award for Excellence in Tsunami Preparedness, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, State of Hawaii, 2014
  • Commendation for development of tsunami evacuation maps, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, 2010
  • Scientific Application and Public Contribution Award, Department of Emergency Management, City and County of Honolulu, 2010
  • Senior Faculty Research Fellow, Office of Naval Research, 2004
  • Research Initiation Award, National Science Foundation, 1994
  • University Graduate Fellowship, University of British Columbia, 1987 – 1991
  • BASc Magna Cum Laude, University of Ottawa, 1985

Journal Publications

Arranged in order of publication by topic with coauthors based in Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Independent Samoa, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Spain, The Netherlands, Türkiye, UK, and USA. †Graduate and ‡post-doctoral students of K.F. Cheung at the University of Hawaii are annotated accordingly.  

Tsunami Source Mechanism

Yamazaki, Y., Lay, T., Cheung, K.F., Witter, R.C., La Selle, S.M., and Jaffe, B.E. (2024). A great tsunami earthquake component of the 1957 Aleutian Islands earthquake. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 637, 118691.

Bai, Y., Liu, C., Lay, T., Cheung, K.F., and Yamazaki, Y. (2023). Fast and slow intraplate ruptures during the 19 October 2020 magnitude 7.6 Shumagin earthquake. Nature Communications, 14, 2015.

Bai, Y., Liu, C., Lay, T., Cheung, K.F., and Ye, L. (2022). Optimizing a model of coseismic rupture for the 22 July 2020 MW 7.8 Simeonof earthquake by exploiting acute sensitivity of tsunami excitation across the shelf break. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 127(7), e2022JB024484.

Cheung, K.F., Lay, T., †Sun, L., and Yamazaki, Y. (2022). Tsunami size variability with rupture depth. Nature Geoscience, 15(1), 33-36.

Ye, L., Bai, Y., Si, D., Lay, T., Cheung, K.F., and Kanamori, H. (2022). Rupture model for the 29 July 2021 MW 8.2 Chignik, Alaska earthquake constrained by seismic, geodetic, and tsunami observations. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 127(7), e2022JB023676.

Yamazaki, Y., Lay, T., and Cheung, K.F. (2021). A compound faulting model for the 1975 Kalapana, Hawaii, earthquake, landslide and tsunami. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 126(11), e2021JB022488.

Ye, L., Lay, T., Kanamori, H., Yamazaki, Y., and Cheung, K.F. (2021). The 22 July 2020 MW 7.8 Shumagin seismic gap earthquake: partial rupture of a weakly coupled megathrust. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 562, 116879.

‡Bai, Y., Ye, L., Yamazaki, Y., Lay, T., and Cheung, K.F. (2018). The 4 May 2018 MW 6.9 Hawaii Island earthquake and implications for tsunami hazards. Geophysical Research Letters, 45(20), 11,040-11,049.

Lay, T., Ye, L., ‡Bai, Y., Cheung, K.F., and Kanamori, H. (2018). The 2018 MW 7.9 Gulf of Alaska earthquake: multiple fault rupture in the Pacific plate. Geophysical Research Letters, 45(18), 9542-9551.

‡Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., and Lay, T. (2018). A self-consistent fault-slip model for the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 123(2), 1435-1458.

‡Bai, Y., Lay, T., Cheung, K.F., and Ye, L. (2017). Two regions of seafloor deformation generated the tsunami for the 13 November 2016, Kaikoura, New Zealand earthquake. Geophysical Research Letters, 44(13), 6597-6606.

Lay, T., Ye, L., ‡Bai, Y., Cheung, K.F., Kanamori, H., Freymueller, J., Steblov, G.M., and Kogan, M.G. (2017). Rupture along 400 km of the Bering Fracture Zone in the Komandorsky Islands Earthquake (MW 7.8) of 17 July 2017. Geophysical Research Letters, 44(24), 12,161–12,169.

Ye, L., Lay, T., ‡Bai, Y., Cheung, K.F., and Kanamori, H. (2017). The 2017 MW 8.1 Chiapas, Mexico earthquake: energetic slab detachment. Geophysical Research Letters, 44(23), 11,824–11,832.

Lay, T., †Li, L., and Cheung, K.F. (2016). Modeling tsunami observations to evaluate a proposed late tsunami earthquake stage for the 16 September 2015 Illapel, Chile, MW 8.3 earthquake. Geophysical Research Letters, 43(15), 7902-7912.

†Li, L., Lay, T., Cheung, K.F., and Ye, L. (2016). Joint modeling of teleseismic and tsunami wave observations to constrain the 16 September 2015 Illapel, Chile MW 8.3 earthquake rupture process. Geophysical Research Letters, 43(9), 4303-4312.

Ye, L., Kanamori, H., Avouac, J.-P., †Li, L., Cheung, K.F., and Lay, T. (2016). The 16 April 2016, MW 7.8 (MS 7.5) Ecuador earthquake: a quasi-repeat of the 1942 MS 7.5 earthquake and partial re-rupture of the 1906 MS 8.6 Colombia-Ecuador earthquake. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 454, 248-258.

Yue, H., Lay, T., †Li, L., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., Rivera, L., Hill, E.M., Sieh, K., Kongko, W., and Muhari, A. (2015). Validation of linearity assumptions for using tsunami waveforms in joint inversion of kinematic rupture models: Application to the 2010 MW 7.8 Mentawai tsunami earthquake. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 120(3), 1728-1747.

Yue, H., Lay, T., Rivera, L.A., ‡Bai, Y., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., Hill, E.M., Sieh, K.E., Kongko, W., and Muhari, A. (2014). Rupture process of the 2010 MW 7.8 Mentawai tsunami earthquake from joint inversion of near-field hr-GPS and teleseismic body wave recordings constrained by tsunami observations. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 119(7), 5574-5593.

Lay, T., Ye, L., Kanamori, H., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., and Ammon, C.J. (2013). The February 6, 2013 MW 8.0 Santa Cruz Islands earthquake and tsunami. Tectonophysics, 608, 1109-1121.

Lay, T., Ye, L., Kanamori, H., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., Kwong, K., and Koper, K.D. (2013). The October 28, 2012 MW 7.8 Haida Gwaii underthrusting earthquake and tsunami: Slip partitioning along the Queen Charlotte Fault transpressional plate boundary. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 375, 57-70.

Lay, T., Ammon, C.J., Kanamori, H., ‡Yamazaki Y., Cheung, K.F., and Hutko, A.R. (2011). The 25 October 2010 Mentawai tsunami earthquake (MW 7.8) and the tsunami hazard presented by shallow megathrust ruptures. Geophysical Research Letters, 38(6), L06302.

Lay, T., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Ammon, C.J., Cheung, K.F., and Kanamori, H. (2011). The 2011 Off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku earthquake: Comparison of deep-water tsunami signals with finite-fault rupture model predictions. Earth, Planets and Space, 63(7), 797-801.

‡Yamazaki Y., Lay, T., Cheung, K.F., Yue, H., and Kanamori, H. (2011). Modeling near-field tsunami observations to improve finite-fault slip models for the 11 March 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Geophysical Research Letters, 38(7), L00G15.

Tsunami Hazard Assessment

Wood, N., Peters, J., Cheung, K.F., Yamazaki, Y., Calvo, D., and Guard, C. (2023). Modeling non-structural strategies to reduce pedestrian evacuation times for mitigating local tsunami threats in Guam. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 95, 103859.

Larson, K.M., Lay, T., Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., Ye, L., Williams, S.D.P., and Davis, J.L. (2021). Dynamic sea level variation from GNSS: 2020 Shumagin earthquake tsunami resonance and Hurricane Laura. Geophysical Research Letters, 48(4), e2020GL091378.

Bosserelle, C., Williams, S., Cheung, K.F., Lay, T., Yamazaki, Y., Simi, T., Roeber, V., Lane, E., Paulik, R., and Simanu, L. (2020). Effects of source faulting and fringing reefs on the 2009 South Pacific tsunami inundation in southeast Upolu, Samoa. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 125(12), e2020JC016537.

Wood, N., Jones, J., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., Brown, J., and Abdollahian, N. (2019). Population vulnerability to tsunami hazards informed by previous and projected disasters: a case study of American Samoa. Natural Hazards, 95(3), 505-528.

‡Bai, Y. ‡Yamazaki, Y., and Cheung, K.F. (2018). Amplification of drawdown and runup over Hawaii’s insular shelves by tsunami N-waves from mega Aleutian earthquakes. Ocean Modelling, 124, 61-74.

Benjamin, L.R., Flament, P., Cheung, K.F., and Luther, D.S. (2016). The 2011 Tohoku tsunami south of Oahu: high-frequency Doppler radio observations and model simulations of currents. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 121(2), 1133-1144.

‡Bai, Y., ‡Yamazaki, Y., and Cheung, K.F. (2015). Interconnection of multi-scale standing waves across the Pacific from the 2011 Tohoku tsunami. Ocean Modelling, 92, 183-197.

‡Bai, Y., Cheung, K.F., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Lay, T., and Ye, L. (2014). Surges around the Hawaiian Islands from the 1 April 2014 North Chile MW 8.1 earthquake. Geophysical Research Letters, 41(23), 8512-8521.

Yim, S.C., Olsen, M.J., Cheung, K.F., and Azadbahkt, M. (2014). Tsunami modeling, structural load simulation, and validation using geospatial field data. Journal of Structural Engineering, 140(8), A4014012.

Cheung, K.F., ‡Bai, Y., and ‡Yamazaki, Y. (2013). Surges around the Hawaiian Islands from the 2011 Tohoku tsunami. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 118(10), 5703-5719.

‡Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., and Lay, T. (2013). Modeling of the 2011 Tohoku near-field tsunami from finite-fault inversion of seismic waves. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 103(2b),1444-1455.

Olsen, M.J., Cheung, K.F., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Butcher, S., Garlock, M., Yim, S., McGarity, S., Robertson, I.N., Burgos, L., and Young, Y.L. (2012). Damage assessment of the 2010 Chile earthquake and tsunami using ground-based LiDAR. Earthquake Spectra, 28(S1), 179-197.

‡Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., Pawlak, G., and Lay, T. (2012). Surges along the Honolulu coast from the 2010 Tohoku tsunami. Geophysical Research Letters, 39(9), L09604.

Cheung K.F., Wei, Y., ‡Yamazaki, Y., and Yim, S.C. (2011). Modeling of 500-year tsunamis for probabilistic design of coastal infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest. Coastal Engineering, 58(10), 970-985.

Lee, J.W., Kim, K.K., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., and Yamanaka, R. (2011). Analysis of tsunami resonance and impact in coastal waters. Journal of Navigation and Port Research, 35(9), 755-763.

‡Yamazaki, Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2011). Shelf resonance and impact of near-field tsunami generated by the 2010 Chile earthquake. Geophysical Research Letters, 38(12), L12605.

†Roeber, V., ‡Yamazaki, Y., and Cheung, K.F. (2010). Resonance and impact of the 2009 Samoa tsunami around Tutuila, American Samoa. Geophysical Research Letters, 37(21), L21604.

†Namekar, S., †Yamazaki, Y., and Cheung, K.F. (2009). Neural network for tsunami and runup forecast. Geophysical Research Letters, 36(8), L08604.

†Munger, S. and Cheung, K.F. (2008). Resonance in Hawaii waters from the 2006 Kuril Islands Tsunami. Geophysical Research Letters, 35(7), L07605.

Bricker, J.D., †Munger, S., Pequignet, C., Wells, J.R., Pawlak, G., and Cheung, K.F. (2007). ADCP observations of edge waves off Oahu in the wake of the November 2006 Kuril Islands Tsunami. Geophysical Research Letters, 34(23), L23617.

†Sánchez, A. and Cheung, K.F. (2007). Tsunami forecast using an adaptive inverse algorithm for the Peru-Chile source region. Geophysical Research Letters, 34(13), L13605.

†Yamazaki, Y., †Wei, Y., Cheung, K.F., and Curtis, G.D. (2006). Forecast of tsunamis from the Japan-Kuril-Kamchatka source region. Natural Hazards, 38(3), 411-435.

†Wei, Y., Cheung, K.F., Curtis, G.D., and McCreery, C.S. (2003). Inverse algorithm for tsunami forecasts. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 129(2), 60-69.

Phase-Resolving Wave Models

Bai, Y., Yamazaki, Y., and Cheung, K.F. (2023). Intercomparison of hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic modeling for tsunami inundation mapping. Physics of Fluids, 35(7), 077111.

Yamazaki, Y., Bai, Y., Goo, L.L., Cheung, K.F., and Lay, T. (2023). Nonhydrostatic modeling of tsunamis from earthquake rupture to coastal impact. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 149(9), 04023033.

†Li, L. and Cheung, K.F. (2019). Numerical dispersion in non-hydrostatic modeling of long-wave propagation. Ocean Modelling, 138, 68-87.

‡Bai, Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2018). Linear shoaling of free-surface waves in multi-layer non-hydrostatic models. Ocean Modelling, 121, 90-104.

‡Bai, Y., ‡Yamazaki, Y., and Cheung, K.F. (2018). Convergence of multi-layer nonhydrostatic models in relation to Boussinesq-type equations. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 144(2), 06018001.

Lynett, P.J., Gately, K., Wilson, R., Montoya, L., Arcas, D., Aytore, B., ‡Bai, Y., Bricker, J.D., Castro, M.J., Cheung, K.F., David, C.G., Dogan, G.G., Escalante, C., González-Vida, J.M., Grilli, S.T., †Heitmann, T.W., Horrillo, J., Kânoğlu, U., Kian, R., Kirby, J.T., Li , W., Macías, J., Nicolsky, D.J., Ortega, S., Pampell-Manis, A., Park, Y.S., Roeber, V., Sharghivand, N., Shelby, M., Shi, F., Tehranirad, B., Tolkova, E., Thio, H.K., Velioğlu, D., Yalçıner, A.C., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Zaytsev, A., Zhang, Y.J. (2017). Inter-model analysis of tsunami-induced coastal current. Ocean Modelling, 114, 14-32.

‡Bai, Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2016). Linear and nonlinear properties of reduced two-layer models for non-hydrostatic free surface flow. Ocean Modelling, 107, 64-81.

‡Bai, Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2016). Hydrostatic versus non-hydrostatic modeling of tsunamis with implications for insular shelf and reef environments. Coastal Engineering, 117, 32-43.

†Li, L., Cheung, K.F., Yue, H., Lay, T., and ‡Bai, Y. (2016). Effects of dispersion in tsunami Green’s functions and implication for joint inversion with seismic and geodetic data: a case study of the 2010 Mentawai MW 7.8 earthquake. Geophysical Research Letters, 43(21), 11,182-11,191.

†Wesley, M.J. and Cheung, K.F. (2016). Modeling of wave overtopping on vertical structures with the HLLS Riemann solver. Coastal Engineering, 112, 28-43.

‡Bai, Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2015). Dispersion and kinematics of multi-layer non-hydrostatic models. Ocean Modelling, 92, 11-27.

†Bai, Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2013). Dispersion and nonlinearity of multi-layer non-hydrostatic free-surface flows. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 726, 226-260.

†Bai, Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2013). Depth-integrated free surface flow with parameterized non-hydrostatic pressure. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids, 71(4), 403-421.

†Bai, Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2012). Depth-integrated free-surface flow with a two-layer non-hydrostatic formulation. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids, 69(2), 411-429.

‡Roeber, V. and Cheung, K.F. (2012). Boussinesq-type model for wave transformation over fringing reefs. Coastal Engineering, 70, 1-20.

†Ge, L. and Cheung, K.F. (2011). Spectral sampling method for uncertainty propagation in long-wave runup modeling. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 137(3), 277-288.

†Yamazaki, Y., Cheung, K.F., and Kowalik, Z. (2011). Depth-integrated, non-hydrostatic model with grid nesting for tsunami generation, propagation, and run-up. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids, 67(12), 2081-2107.

†Roeber, V., Cheung, K.F., and Kobayashi, M.H. (2010). Shock-capturing Boussinesq-type model for nearshore wave processes. Coastal Engineering, 57(4), 407-423.

†Wu, Y.Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2009). Homotopy solution for nonlinear differential equations in wave propagation problems. Wave Motion, 46(1), 1-14.

†Yamazaki, Y., Kowalik, Z., and Cheung, K.F. (2009). Depth-integrated, non-hydrostatic model for wave breaking and run-up. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids, 61(5), 473-497.

†Ge, L., Cheung, K.F., and Kobayashi, M.H. (2008). Stochastic solution for uncertainty propagation in nonlinear shallow-water equations. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 134(12), 1732-1743.

†Wu, Y.Y. and Cheung, K.F. (2008). Explicit solution to the exact Riemann problem and application in nonlinear shallow-water equations. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids, 57(11), 1649-1668.

†Wei, Y., ‡Mao, X.Z., and Cheung, K.F. (2006). Well-balanced finite volume model for long-wave runup. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 132(2), 114-124.

Zhou, X., Hon, Y.C., and Cheung, K.F. (2004). A grid-free, nonlinear shallow-water model with moving boundary. Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements, 28(8), 967-973.

Liao, S.J. and Cheung, K.F. (2003). Homotopy analysis of nonlinear progressive waves in deep water. Journal of Engineering Mathematics, 45(2), 105-116.

†Chandrasekera, C.N. and Cheung, K.F. (2001). Linear refraction-diffraction model for steep bathymetry. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 127(3), 161-170.

Hon, Y.C., Cheung, K.F., Mao, X.Z., and Kansa, E.J. (1999). Multiquadric solution for shallow water equations. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 125(5), 524-533.

†Chandrasekera, C.N. and Cheung, K.F. (1997). Extended linear refraction-diffraction model. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 123(5), 280-286.

Wave Forecast, Hindcast, and Climate

García-Medina, G., Yang, Z., Li, N., Cheung, K.F., and Lutu-McMoore, E. (2023). Wave climate and energy resources in American Samoa from a 42-year high-resolution hindcast. Renewable Energy, 210, 604-617.

Li, N., García-Medina, G., Yang, Z., Cheung, K.F., Hitzl, D., and Chen, Y.-L. (2023). Wave climate and energy resources in the Mariana Islands from a 42-year high-resolution hindcast. Renewable Energy, 215, 118835.

Li, N., García-Medina, G., Cheung, K.F., and Yang, Z. (2021). Wave climate and energy resources in the multi-modal sea state of Hawaii. Renewable Energy, 174, 1036-1055.

Li, N., Cheung, K.F., and Cross, P. (2020). Numerical wave modeling for operational and survival analyses of wave energy converters at the US Navy Wave Energy Test Site. Renewable Energy, 161, 240-256.

Li, N., Cheung, K.F., Stopa, J.E., Chen, Y.-L., Hsiao, F., Vega, L., and Cross, P. (2016). Thirty-four years of Hawaii wave hindcast from downscaling of Climate Forecast System Reanalysis. Ocean Modelling, 100, 78-95.

Foster, J., ‡Li, N., and Cheung, K.F. (2014). Sea state determination from ship-based geodetic GPS. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 31(11), 2556-2564.

†Stopa, J.E. and Cheung, K.F. (2014). Periodicity and pattern of ocean wind and wave climate. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 119(8), 5563–5584.

†Stopa, J.E. and Cheung, K.F. (2014). Intercomparison of wind and wave data from the ECMWF Reanalysis Interim and NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis. Ocean Modelling, 75, 65-83

†Stopa, J.E., Cheung, K.F., Tolman, H.L., and Chawla, A. (2013). Patterns and cycles in the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis wind and wave data. Ocean Modelling, 70, 207-220.

†Stopa, J.E., ‡Filipot, J.-F., ‡Li, N., Cheung, K.F., Chen, Y.-L., and Vega, L. (2013). Wave energy resources along the Hawaiian Islands chain. Renewable Energy, 55, 305-321.

†Arinaga, R.A. and Cheung, K.F. (2012). Atlas of global wave energy from 10 years of reanalysis and hindcast data. Renewable Energy, 39, 49-64.

†Stopa, J.E., Cheung, K.F., and Chen, Y.-L. (2011). Assessment of wave energy resources in Hawaii. Renewable Energy, 36(2), 554-567.

Hurricane Waves, Surge, and Inundation

Li, N., ‡Yamazaki, Y., Roeber, V., Cheung, K.F., and Chock, G. (2018). Probabilistic mapping of storm-induced coastal inundation for climate change adaption. Coastal Engineering, 133, 126-141.

‡Li, N., ‡Roeber, V., ‡Yamazaki, Y., †Heitmann, T.W., ‡Bai, Y., and Cheung, K.F. (2014). Integration of coastal inundation modeling from storm tides to individual waves. Ocean Modelling, 83, 26-42.

‡Roeber, V., ‡Li, N., †Heitmann, T.W., ‡Yamazaki, Y., and Cheung, K.F. (2014). From source to sink: a modeling package for typhoon wave generation, propagation, and inundation. Journal of Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Series B2, 70(2), I_481-I_485.

Taflanidis, A.A., Kennedy, A.B., Westerink, J.J., Smith, J.M., Cheung, K.F., Hope, M., and Tanaka, S. (2013). A comprehensive theoretical and computational framework for probabilistic hurricane-risk assessment. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 139(3),171-182.

Kennedy, A.B., Westerink, J.J., Smith, J.M., Hope, M.E., Hartman, M., Taflanidis, A.A., Tanaka, S., Westerink, H., Cheung, K.F., Smith, T., Hamann, M., Minamide, M., and Ota, A. (2012). Tropical cyclone inundation potential on the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu and Kauai. Ocean Modelling, 52, 54-68.

†Stopa, J.E., Cheung, K.F., Garcé, M.A., and Badger, N. (2012). Atmospheric Infrasound from nonlinear wave interactions during Hurricanes Felicia and Neki of 2009. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 117(12), C12017.

†Stopa, J.E., Cheung, K.F., Garcé, M.A., and Fee, D. (2011). Microbarom source from hurricane waves. Geophysical Research Letters, 38(5), L05602.

Cheung, K.F., ‡Tang, L., Donnelly, J.P., Scileppi, E., Liu, K.-B., ‡Mao, X.Z., Houston, S.H., and Murnane, R.J. (2007). Numerical modeling and field evidence of coastal overwash in southern New England from Hurricane Bob and implications for paleotempestology. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 112(3), F03024.

Cheung, K.F., †Phadke, A.C., †Wei, Y., †Rojas, R., †Douyere, Y.J.-M., †Martino, C.D., Houston, S.H., Liu, P.L.-F., Lynett, P.J., Dodd, N., Liao, S., and Nakazaki, E. (2003). Modeling of storm-induced coastal flooding for emergency management. Ocean Engineering, 30(11), 1353-1386.

†Phadke, A.C., †Martino, C.D., Cheung, K.F., and Houston, S.H. (2003). Modeling of tropical cyclone winds and waves for emergency management. Ocean Engineering, 30(4), 553-578.

Coastal Processes and Sediment Transport 

Yamashita, K., Yamazaki, Y., Bai, Y., Takahashi, T., Imamura, F., and Cheung, K.F. (2022). Modeling of sediment transport in rapidly-varying flow for coastal morphological changes caused by tsunamis. Marine Geology, 449, 106823.

†Quiroga, P.D. and Cheung, K.F. (2013). Laboratory study of wave transformation over bed-form roughness on fringing reefs. Coastal Engineering, 80, 35-48.

‡Filipot, J.-F. and Cheung, K.F. (2012). Spectral wave modeling for fringing reef environment. Coastal Engineering, 67, 67-79.

Cheung, K.F., Gerritsen, F., and Cleveringa, J. (2007). Morphodynamics and sand bypassing at Ameland Inlet, The Netherlands. Journal of Coastal Research, 23(1), 106-118.

†Smith, D.A. and Cheung, K.F. (2005). Transport rate of calcareous sand in uni-directional flow. Sedimentology, 52(5), 1009-1020.

†Smith, D.A. and Cheung, K.F. (2004). Initiation of motion of calcareous sand. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 130(5), 467-472.

†Smith, D.A. and Cheung, K.F. (2003). Settling characteristics of calcareous sand. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 129(6), 479-483.

†Smith, D.A. and Cheung, K.F. (2002). Empirical relationships for grain size parameters of calcareous sand on Oahu, Hawaii. Journal of Coastal Research, 18(1), 82-93.

‡Lee, S.K. and Cheung, K.F. (1999). Laminar and turbulent bottom boundary layer induced by nonlinear water waves. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 125(6), 631-644.

Hydroelasticity

†Das, S. and Cheung, K.F. (2012). Hydroelasticity of marine vessels advancing in a seaway. Journal of Fluids and Structures, 34, 271-290.

†Das, S. and Cheung, K.F. (2009). Coupled boundary element and finite element model for fluid-filled membrane in gravity waves. Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements, 33(6), 802-814.

†Phadke, A.C. and Cheung, K.F. (2003). Nonlinear response of fluid-filled membrane in gravity waves. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 129(7), 739-750.

†Phadke, A.C. and Cheung, K.F. (2001). Resonance and response of fluid-filled membrane in gravity waves. Applied Ocean Research, 23(1), 15-28.

Cheung, K.F., †Phadke, A.C., †Smith, D.A., ‡Lee, S.K., and Seidl, L.H. (2000). Hydrodynamic response of a pneumatic floating platform. Ocean Engineering, 27(12), 1405-1438.

†Phadke, A.C. and Cheung, K.F. (1999). Response of a bottom mounted fluid-filled membrane in gravity waves. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 125(6), 294-303.

Cheung, K.F., Seidl, L.H., and Wang, S. (1998). Analysis of SWATH ship structures. Marine Technology, 35(2), 85-97.

Offshore and Marine Hydrodynamics

†Das, S. and Cheung, K.F. (2012). Scattered waves and motions of a vessel advancing in a seaway. Wave Motion, 49(1), 181-197.

Skourup, J., Cheung, K.F., Bingham, H.B., and Büchmann, B. (2000). Second order wave force on 3D bodies in a current. Ocean Engineering, 27(7), 707-727.

Büchmann, B., Skourup, J., and Cheung, K.F. (1998). Runup on a structure due to second-order waves and a current. Applied Ocean Research, 20(5), 297-308.

Cheung, K.F., Isaacson, M., and Lee, J.W. (1996). Wave diffraction around three-dimensional bodies in a current. Journal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering, 118(4), 247-252.

Cheung, K.F. and Lee, J.W. (1996). Performance of a submerged wave focusing structure in a current. International Journal of Offshore and Polar Engineering, 6(1), 47-52.

Isaacson, M. and Cheung, K.F. (1994). Correction factors for nonlinear runup and wave forces on a large cylinder. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 21(5), 762-769.

Cheung, K.F., Isaacson, M., and Ng, J.Y.K. (1993). Time-domain solution for second-order wave radiation. Marine Structures, 6(2&3), 241-258.

Isaacson, M. and Cheung, K.F. (1993). Time-domain solution for wave-current interactions with a two-dimensional body. Applied Ocean Research, 15(1), 39-52.

Isaacson, M., Ng, J.Y.T., and Cheung, K.F. (1993). Second-order wave radiation of three-dimensional bodies by time-domain method. International Journal of Offshore and Polar Engineering, 3(4), 264-272.

Isaacson, M., Cheung, K.F., Mansard, E., and Miles, M.D. (1993). Transient wave propagation in a laboratory flume. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 31(5), 665-680.

Isaacson, M. and Cheung, K.F. (1992). Time-domain second-order wave diffraction in three dimensions. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 118(5), 496-516.

Cheung, K.F. and Isaacson, M. (1991). Two alternative field solutions for second-order wave diffraction. Journal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering, 113(3), 185-192.

Isaacson, M. and Cheung, K.F. (1991). Second-order wave diffraction around two-dimensional bodies by time-domain method. Applied Ocean Research, 13(4), 175-186.

Isaacson, M. and Cheung, K.F. (1990). Time-domain solution for second-order wave diffraction. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, 116(2), 191-210.

Isaacson, M. and Cheung, K.F. (1988). Influence of added mass on ice impacts. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 15(4), 698-708.

Isaacson, M. and Cheung, K.F. (1988). Hydrodynamics of ice mass near large offshore structure. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 114(4), 487-502.

Sponsored Research and Training

Extramural grants and contracts awarded to the University of Hawaii (unless noted otherwise). †Investigators from collaborating institutions are annotated accordingly. Current and completed projects are arranged by award and complete date respectively.  

Current Projects
  1. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Tsunami Inundation Modeling and Mapping for CNMI. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via Guam Department of Homeland Security, Account No. FG26070052.63000: $128,299 (09/01/24 – 08/31/25).
  2. Iwamoto, M. (PI), Powell, B. (Co-I), Chen, Y.-L. (Co-I), Cheung, K.F. (Co-I.), and Luther, D.S. (Co-I). Enhancing Climate Information and Knowledge Services for Resilience in 5 Island Countries of the Pacific Ocean – GCF FP147. United Nations Environmental Programme, Project No. S1-32GCF-000010 and No. SB-016769: $1,996,566 (12/02/21 – 12/01/27).
  3. Howe, B. (PI), Cheung, K.F. (Co-I), and Janiszewski, H.A. (Co-I). SMART Subsea Cables: Implementing for Geophysics, Early Warning and Oceans, Vanuatu-New Caledonia to Global. Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Grant No. GBMF10787: $7,204,791 (11/12/21 – 11/11/27).
  4. Cheung, K.F. (PI) and Yamazaki, Y. (Co-I). Modeling and Mapping of Destructive Tsunamis at Hawaii’s Harbors. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Grant No. NA20NWS4670063: $209,775; NA21HIEMA0001: $221,999; NA22HIEMA0001: $149,455; NA23HIEMA0001: $189,614; NA24HIEMA0002: $198,601. Total: $969,444 (11/01/20 – 08/31/25).
  5. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Tsunami Inundation Modeling and Mapping for Guam. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via Guam Department of Homeland Security, Grant No. NA20NWS4670062: $101,477; NA21NWS4670008: $107,805. Total: $209,282 (09/01/20 – 08/31/24).
  6. Cheung, K.F. (PI) and Li, N. (Co-I). Technical Support of Wave Model Hindcast for Hawaii Regional Resources Assessment and Supplement 1 for American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Contract No. 446471: $99,960, No. 658517: $144,942. Total: $244,902 (01/15/19 – 09/30/25).
  7. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Operational Wave Forecast. NOAA Grant No. NA07NOS4730207: $270,000; NA10NOS4730016: $80,412; NA11NOS0120039: $338,033; NA16OS0120024: $54,923; NA21NOS0120091: $271,544; Office of Insular Affairs Grant No. D16AP00152: $74,342 via Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System. Total: $1,089,254 (07/01/07 – 06/30/2026).
  8. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Ocean Engineering Internship Program. Navatek Ltd., Hawaii: $507,592 (09/05/00 – 07/31/19); Sea Engineering Inc., Hawaii: $508,321 (09/01/03 – 07/31/25); Healy Tibbitts Builders Inc., Hawaii: $233,179 (08/01/05 – 07/31/11); Oceanit Inc., Hawaii: $258,135 (08/01/07 – 08/31/21); Makai Ocean Engineering Inc., Hawaii: $153,820 (08/01/07 – 07/31/19); PacMar Technologies LLC, Hawaii: $172,218 (08/01/21 – 12/31/24). Total: $1,833,265.
Completed Projects

Tsunami Impact Assessment

  1. Cheung, K.F. (PI) . Tsunami Hazard Maps for the Maritime Community in Hawaii. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Grant No. NA14NWS4670042: $160,017, NA15NWS4670025: $188,281, NA16NWS4670036: $195,280, NA17NWS4670012: 197,837. NA18NWS4670075: $212,000. NA19NWS4670012, $209,785. Total: $1,163,200 (12/01/14 – 08/31/21).
  2. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Tsunami Hazard Maps for the Maritime Community in American Samoa. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via American Samoa Department of Homeland Security, Grant No. NA16NWS4670036: $68,456; NA18NWS4670075: $103,434. Total $171,890 (08/31/17 – 08/31/21).
  3. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Tsunami Hazard Maps for the Maritime Community in Guam. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via Guam Department of Homeland Security, Grant No. NA16NWS4670036: $66,814; NA17NWS4670012: $199,239; NA18NWS4670075: $85,915. Total: $351,968 (11/30/17 – 08/31/20).
  4. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Tsunami Inundation Map for Hawaii. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via Hawaii State Civil Defense: $971,981 (07/01/07 – 07/31/15).
  5. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Tsunami Inundation Mapping for American Samoa. NOAA Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via American Samoa Department of Homeland Security, Contract #C57328: $150,000 (07/01/2012 – 05/30/2014).
  6. Cheung, K.F. (PI). University of Hawaii Sea Grant Traineeship. NOAA Grant No. NA05OAR4171048, Project No. R/EP-20: Inverse Algorithm for Tsunami Forecast (02/01/03 – 01/31/07); Project Nos. R/EP-32 & R/IP-2: Three-dimensional Model of Tsunami Generation and Near-field Characteristics (02/01/07 – 01/31/12) ; Project No. R/IR-17: Modeling of Uncertainties in Flood Hazard Mapping (02/01/12 – 01/31/14).
  7. Robertson, I.N. (PI) and Cheung, K.F. (Co-PI). Collaborative Research: RAPID – Post-disaster Structural Data Collection Following the 11 March 2011 Tohoku, Japan Tsunami. National Science Foundation, Grant No. 1138710: $28,835 (07/15/2011 – 06/30/2012).
  8. Riggs, H.R. (PI), Cheung, K.F. (Co-PI), Robertson, I.N. (Co-PI), †Yim, S.C.S. (Co-PI, Oregon State University), and †Young, Y.L. (Co-PI, Princeton University). Development of Performance Based Tsunami Engineering. National Science Foundation, Grant No. CMS 0530759: $1,300,000 (10/01/05 – 09/30/10).
  9. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Tsunami Forecast and Inundation Map for Hawaii. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via Hawaii State Civil Defense: $476,838 (01/01/04 – 06/30/08).
  10. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Vulnerability of Honolulu’s Infrastructure to Tsunamis. NOAA Sea Grant, No. NA05OAR4171048, Project No.: R/EP-30PD: $12,043 (10/01/06 – 03/31/07).
  11. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Evaluation of Hawaii Tsunami Evacuation Map and Tsunami Forecast for Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via Hawaii State Civil Defense: $59,980 (07/01/01 – 06/30/03).
  12. Teng, M.H. (PI) and Cheung, K.F. (Co-PI). An Improved Prediction Model for Tsunami Runup and Coastal Inundation in Hawaii. NOAA Sea Grant, No. NA86RG0041, Project No. R/EP-13: $120,688. NOAA Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research: $48,516 and University of Hawaii Direct Match: $5,000. Project total: $174,204 (03/01/99 – 06/30/03).
  13. Cheung, K.F. (PI) and Teng, M.H. (Co-PI). Modeling of Distant Generated Tsunamis. NOAA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program via Hawaii State Civil Defense: $35,000 (09/01/99 – 10/31/00).

Coastal Processes and Sediment Transport

  1. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Validation of Coastal Wave Models for Tropical Island Conditions. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Contract No. W912HZ-06-P-0231: $39,377 (05/25/06 – 12/31/06).
  2. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Motion Initialization and Transport of Tropical Island Beach Sand. NOAA Sea Grant, No. NA16RG2254, Project No. R/EP-11: $140,905 (03/01/99 – 06/30/03).
  3. Cheung, K.F. (PI). A Generalized Refraction-Diffraction Model for Steep Bathymetry. NOAA Sea Grant, No. NA36RG0507, Project No. R/EP-1 & M/PD: $42,164. University of Hawaii Direct Match: $20,220. Project total: $62,384 (08/01/95 – 02/28/98).
  4. Merrifield, M.A. (PI), Becker J.M. (Co-PI), Cheung, K.F. (Co-PI), Ertekin, R.C. (Co-PI), and Okihiro, M.S. (Co-PI). Wave Modeling for Pacific Island Regions. Federal Emergency Management Agency via Hawaii State Civil Defense: $68,975 (03/01/96 – 02/28/98).
  5. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Mechanics of Coastal Sediment Transport for Pacific Insular Environment. University of Hawaii (Intramural), Research Council Grant: $8,000 (01/03/95 – 12/31/95).

Storm Surge, Waves, and Inundation

  1. Iwamoto, M. (PI), Chen, Y.-L. (Co-I), Cheung, K.F. (Co-I). Enhancing Public Safety with Improved Atmospheric and Wave Forecasts for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Office of Insular Affairs, Grant No. D18AP00090: $497,738 (10/01/18 – 09/30/22).
  2. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Advanced Wave Forecasting. Department of Energy, Grant No. DE-FG36-08GO18180 via National Marine Renewable Energy Center: $415,000 (09/15/08 – 09/14/16).
  3. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Coastal Storms Program SLR Study – Honolulu. NOAA Coastal Storms Program, Grant No. NA05OAR4170060 via University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, Project No. R/IR-8: $83,376 (02/01/11-01/31/13).
  4. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Shoreline Evolution and Coastal Resiliency at Two Military Installations: Modeling of Hurricane Surge, Waves, and Overwash. Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, Contract No. 09-SI05-002/SI-1702 via Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts: $248,093 (08/24/09-07/31/13).
  5. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Modeling of Hurricane Surge and Waves in North Pacific. US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Contract No. W912HZ-09-C-0085: $224,883 (07/29/09-07/28/13).
  6. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Pacific and Hawaii Catastrophic Hurricane Readiness Response Planning. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Contract No. GS-23F-9755H, Task Order 20207, via Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Hawaii: $180,000 (09/02/08 – 07/15/09).
  7. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Hindcast of Hurricane Winds, Waves, Surge, and Overwash at Landfall. Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Inc., Bermuda: $41,500 (06/01/03 – 05/31/04).
  8. Cheung, K.F. (PI) and Teng, M.H. (Co-PI). Real-Time Simulation Package for Storm Surge and Wave Runup. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Office of Earth Science, Grant No. NAG5-8748: $400,000 (09/01/99 – 08/31/02).
  9. †Hon, Y.C. (PI, City University of Hong Kong) and Cheung, K.F. (Co-PI). Numerical Computation for Wave Runup and Inundation. City University of Hong Kong (Intramural), Strategic Research Grant No. 7001051: HK$240,384 (01/01/00 – 06/30/02).
  10. †Hon, Y.C. (PI, City University of Hong Kong) and Cheung, K.F. (Co-PI). Finite Element Modeling of Tides and Storm Waves in Hong Kong Waters. City University of Hong Kong (Intramural), Strategic Research Grant No. 7000767: HK$283,390 (02/01/95 – 09/30/97).

Marine Hydrodynamics and Hydroelasticity

  1. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Coupling of Coastal Wave Transformation and Computational Fluid Dynamics Models for Seakeeping Analysis. Office of Naval Research, Grant No. N00014-12-1-0721: $204,326 (07/01/2012 – 09/30/2016).
  2. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Integration of Seakeeping Capability in the Coastal and Ocean Modeling System through Google Map API. Office of Naval Research, Grant No. N00014-09-1-1035: $50,000 (07/01/2009 – 06/30/2012).
  3. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Response of Marine Vehicles Advancing in a Seaway and in the Surf Zone. Office of Naval Research, Grant No. N00014-07-1-0933: $444,863 (04/25/07 – 06/30/12).
  4. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Environment for Design of Advanced Marine Vehicles and Operations Research – in collaboration with Air Force Research Laboratory, Maui High Performance Computing Center. Office of Naval Research, Grant No. N00014-02-1-0903: $6,671,891 and Contract No. N00014-05-C-0392: $184,109. Project total: $6,856,000 (07/01/02 – 06/30/11).
  5. Cheung, K.F. (PI). Hydrodynamics of Fluid-Filled Membrane in Gravity Waves. National Science Foundation, Grant No. CTS94-08939: $94,959. University of Hawaii Equipment Match: $5,000. Project total: $99,959 (08/15/94 – 07/31/99).
  6. Cheung, K.F. (PI), Seidl, L.H. (Co-PI), and Krock, H.J. (Co-PI). Numerical and Laboratory Modeling of Pneumatically Stabilized Platform. Office of Naval Research, Grant No. N00167-95-C-0103 via Float Incorporated, California: $150,439 (09/15/97 – 11/30/98).

Courses Taught

  • ORE 607 Water Wave Mechanics
  • ORE 609 Hydrodynamics of Fluid-Body Interaction
  • ORE 661 Coastal and Harbor Engineering
  • ORE 664 Near-shore Processes and Sediment Transport
  • ORE 766 Numerical Analysis of Hydrodynamic Problems
  • ORE 783 Capstone Design Project
  • ORE 791 Special Topics: Design of Harbor Structures

Professional Service

  • Area Maritime Security Committee, United States Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, 2016 – Present
  • Hawaii State Earthquake and Tsunami Advisory Committee, 2014 – Present
  • Coordination Committee and Modeling and Mapping Subcommittee, National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, 2007 – Present
  • External Examiner, MSc (Eng) Program in Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, 2019 – 2022
  • Expert Panel, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Beijing, China, 2012; Xiamen, China,  2015; Port Vila, Vanuatu, 2024
  • Design Code Committee on Tsunami Loads and Effects, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2011 – 2013
  • Sri Lanka Tsunami Relief Team, American Institute of Architects, 2005 – 2006