Propiedades físicas y geotécnicas de sedimentos marinos de la cuenca de Bransfield (Península Antártica)

Abstract

Our investigation is centred on the continental slope of the Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent where type of sediments, sedimentary stratigraphy, and physical and geotechnical characterisation of the sediments have been integrated. Four different types of sediments have been defined in these physiographic environments: diamictons, silty and muddy turbidites on the continental slope, and muddy, silty and muddy matrix embedded clast contourites on the basin. There is a close corre­spondence between the physical properties (gamma-ray density, magnetic susceptibility and p-wave velocity) with the texture and stratigraphyc features. We can establish that this slope with a maximum gradient observed (2CP) is stable, according to the stability under gravitational loading concepts. It is possible to calculate what is the maximum stable slope that would range from 22 ° to 29 °. Nevertheless, different instability features have been observed by other authors. We have not way of evaluating the triggering mechanism with existing data, but based on the geological and oceanographic frameworks, volcanic activity, bottom currents or earthquakes can be considered as potential mechanisms to induce instability in this area