Physical properties of clay-rich sediments: a database of Deep Sea Drilling Project results

Abstract

A database of physical properties for clay-rich sediments has been constructed using Deep Sea Drilling Project results as tabulated in the DSDP Initial Reports, Volumes 1 through 86. The physical properties database has been set up at the Pacifie Geoscience Centre. The database consists of 4299 records. Each record contains a sample identification code, the depth, and whatever values of density, porosity, water content, void ratio (computed from porosity), thermal conductivity, compressional wave velocity, and shear wave velocity as may be available for the sample. In addition, the clay, sand, and carbonate content, expressed in volume percent, the major clay mineralogy and the tectonic setting are included if available. The database may be used for studies of clay physical properties and their interrelationships. An example is presented for the variation of water content, density, thermal conductivity, and compressional wave velocity versus porosity.