Apparent overconsolidation and its implications for submarine landslides

Abstract

In recent years, apparent overconsolidation (AOC) has been observed in the most superficial sections of the sedimentary column of the seabed. AOC has been detected in sediment samples taken from deep and shallow waters, independent of the source area. Although the origin of this phenomenon remains controversial, it seems to be linked principally to physical-chemical bonds and ionic changes that cause strong attractions between particles.

This work uses an experimental approach based on standardized oedometer tests to study the presence of AOC in surface sediments and its disappearance at depth. The results obtained show that the existence of AOC is related to the formation of a structured sediment generated by both secondary consolidation and aging processes.

In addition, the results obtained facilitate a discussion of how AOC influences the potential development of plane translational slides. The development of this type of instability in areas affected by AOC generates a subsequent stabilization of the ocean floor and, consequently, a lower recurrence of large landslides in these areas than would be expected from a sedimentary process with no AOC