Instabilities along ocean margins: a geomorphological and geotechnical perspective

Abstract

Due to the growing development of offshore activities along margins, in the search for more natural resources, there has been a greater need for understanding the mechanics of slope formation in these areas. One aspect of this relates to the problems associated with slope stability issues. This article presents an perspective view of some geomorphological and geotechnical aspects related to instabilities along ocean margins. In order to properly address the issues of slope stability and other mass movements, we need to improve our technology in the field of sampling, high resolution seismic, and in situ measurements. Ultimately, the goal is to be able to carry out proper risk assessment analysis pertaining to submarine mass movement. This could be achieved by integrating the geotechnical characterisation of mass movements into a risk assessment methodology which can then be applied on a regional basis. With the initiation of a project on continental slope stability (COSTA) during the year 2000, major advances are expected on our understanding of the mechanics of submarine mass movements.