Analysis of wave-induced submarine landslides in nearly saturated sediments at intermediate water depths

Abstract

Evaluation of wave impacts on submarine landslides is an essential element in geohazard studies. The slight desaturation of sediments (due to dissociation of gas hydrates) has been found to adversely impact the slide of the sloping seabed in the Fraser River Delta in Canada. In this study, to investigate the role of wave action on the slide of partially saturated seabed slopes, an integrated FEM model is developed. Despite most earlier studies that used a simplified decoupled undrained analysis, in this article, a more realistic model for coupled flow-and-deformation processes (within the sediments) and fluid-seabed interaction is utilized. Linear wave theory and Biot’s poroelasticity for the fluid and seabed domains are considered, respectively, and continuity of flux and traction is enforced along the interface of the media. The instability of the sloping seabed is investigated using strength reduction finite element method (SRFEM) with Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. The limitation of limit equilibrium methods in the evaluation of submarine landslides is shown through comparison with SRFEM analyses where partly-dynamic and quasi-static idealizations of seabed response are considered. Finally, the adverse impacts of slight desaturation on seabed instability are assessed, and the reduction of the stability number with seabed steepness is presented.