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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1987; v. 31; p. 131-146;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1987.031.01.11
© 1987 Geological Society of London

Geotechnical characteristics of fine-grained turbidite sequences from the Nares Abyssal Plain

L. E. Shephard & A. K. Rutledge

Sandia National Laboratories, Seabed Programs Division 6334, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A.

W. R. Bryant & K. M. Moran

Department of Oceanography, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, U.S.A.
Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Atlantic Geoscience Center, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y4A2, Canada

Geotechnical property analyses of 21 piston cores obtained from the Nares Abyssal Plain show variations that correspond to facies changes within fine-grained turbidite sequences. Variations in index properties within the turbidite sequences are gradational from the turbidite bases, often containing silt beds or laminae, upwards through the chemically laminated turbiditic clays and into the overlying pelagic and hemipelagic clays. Variations in index properties between sequences can be substantial, with water contents varying by more than 70% over sub-bottom depths of less than a few centimetres.

Consolidation test results indicate that most sediments appear to be normally consolidated to over-consolidated. The state of consolidation may vary over short depth intervals within turbidite sequences as a result of the pronounced changes in lithological type.

Clay-fabric analyses show significant differences in particle type and degree of sorting between the turbiditic and non-turbiditic clay facies. Particle-to-particle orientations appear quite variable within both clay facies, possibly as a result of modification of the primary fabric by post-depositional changes.