Abstract
High-resolution (3.5 kHz) seismic profiles from the slope of the Korea Plateau, East Sea (Sea of Japan) show an extensive area of slide deposits with prominent slump scars. The sediment displaced from the steep slope (5–7°) is less expansive than massive failure deposits on gradual slopes (1–2°). Seaward of a large trough, thick wavy stratified sediments cover the gentle slope. Cyclic loading by earthquakes is the most probable triggering mechanism for the slope instability in this area. The topmost (2–3 m) sediment is chiefly composed of hemipelagic mud with interbeds of turbidites and volcanogenic material. These sediments are highly plastic and shear resistant (over 4 kPa at the surface) in both stable and failed areas. Grain size decreases seaward, from sandy mud on the shelf to silty clay on the lower slope. Total organic matter and water contents are closely associated with sediment texture, both increasing with clay amounts from 5–10% and from 50 up to 200%, respectively.
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