The Importance of Coaxial and Non-coaxial Components of Shear Strength of Sediments in Submarine Slumping and Initiation of Turbidity Currents

Abstract

The conditions and the processes under which submarine slumping occurs and the agencies causing them are discussed. Special attention is given to the role of coaxial and non-coaxial components of shear strength of sediments. It is of interest to note that slumps can result in a wide variety of sedimentary structures and many of these structures are associated with liquefaction. The influence of under consolidation due to high rates of sedimentation on the strength of marine sediments is treated in this paper. The drained and un-drained failures and mechanics of slumping are analyzed by applying coaxial and non-coaxial components of shear strength of sediments. It is thought and believed that some slumps transform into high density turbidity currents, if the pore pressures induced at failure are high enough. This paper does not deal with turbidity currents. It is only limited to the extent of explaining the role of coaxial and non-coaxial components of shear strength of sediments in initiating turbidity currents.