Subaqueous slope failures

A wide range of deformational structures in ancient marine deposits and the prevalence of slide structures on ocean slopes have been documented. Observations of massive, suddenly displaced materials in current ocean areas highlight their economic significance in ancient deposits, particularly for potential sedimentary hydrocarbon traps, as well as the risks associated with utilizing the sea bottom for various technical projects. This makes subaqueous slope failures intriguing subjects for research. Despite numerous reports on gravitational mass movements and a thorough review of published data, only a few general conclusions can be drawn. To address this, an experimental program was conducted using artificially deposited clayey sediments in a tiltable tank to investigate three fundamental models of subaqueous slope formation and failure. Structural analyses of recorded single and multiple slope failure processes, both experimental and natural, along with tectonic deformation patterns, revealed distinct deformation cycles characterized by similar structural features. Laboratory shear tests and studies of natural slump occurrences support the notion that the predeformational characteristics of sediment significantly influence its behavior during subsequent deformation.