40. STRESS HISTORY AND GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF SEDIMENT FROM THE CAPE FEAR DIAPIR, BLAKE RIDGE DIAPIR, AND BLAKE RIDGE1

W.J. Winters2

ABSTRACT

Geotechnical properties of sediment from Ocean Drilling Program Leg 164 are presented as: (1) normalized shipboard strength ratios from the Cape Fear Diapir, the Blake Ridge Diapir, and the Blake Ridge; and (2) Atterberg limit, vane shear strength, pocket-penetrometer strength, and constant-rate-of-strain consolidation results from Hole 995A, located on the Blake Ridge. This study was conducted to understand the stress history in a region characterized by high sedimentation rates and the presence of gas hydrates. Collectively, the results indicate that sediment from the Blake Ridge exhibits significant underconsolidated behavior, except near the seafloor. At least 10 m of additional overburden was removed by erosion or mass wasting at Hole 993A on the Cape Fear Diapir, compared to nearby sites.

1Paull, C.K., Matsumoto, R., Wallace, P.J., and Dillon, W.P. (Eds.), 2000. Proc. ODP, Sci. Results, 164: College Station, TX (Ocean Drilling Program).
2U.S. Geological Survey, 384 Woods Hole Rd., Woods Hole, MA 02543, U.S.A. bwinters@usgs.gov

Date of initial receipt: 21 April 1998
Date of acceptance: 2 December 1998
Ms 164SR-202

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