abstract
In addition to developing improved tools and protocols for the characterization of offshore sediment properties, we also need to develop novel approaches to evaluate regional stability of offshore sediments. The proposed collaboration with ICG will provide a unique opportunity for the US research team, under the leadership of Dr. McAdoo, to evaluate and implement regional models of seafloor morphology using 2D and 3D seismic and multibeam bathymetry datasets (e.g., McAdoo et al. 2000, 2004). Research being conducted in academic environments has a critical need for access to "real world" geophysical datasets. NGI/ICG's extensive experience in consulting projects involving geophysical characterization affords this opportunity to the US research team. Therefore, several “real world� geophysical datasets at NGI/ICG will be identified for evaluation and analysis. These test cases will be used to develop a methodology for assessment of offshore sediment stability. An example test case would be a large well-studied submarine landslide. Dr. McAdoo will interact directly with Dr. Baise on this research theme to ensure synergies between the three geohazards analysis research themes. Dr. McAdoo will work with research undergraduate students from the Geology and Physics Departments at Vassar College. When considering regional models, it is critical to have basemaps that can be used to extrapolate the physical soil properties over a broader area. By correlating soil properties with seafloor morphology, this extrapolation can be accomplished. Technological advances in multibeam bathymetry collection techniques, along with more time for additional surveys, have provided the research community with a relatively inexpensive and effective tool for evaluating regional continental slope hazard. During the 1990’s, the STRATAFORM project (funded largely by the US Office of Naval Research) set out to understand how sediment is transported from subaerial river systems to deepwater basins. One of the regional study areas was the Eel River Basin of northern California. A combination of regional multibeam bathymetry, high resolution 2D seismic, and physical properties of the seafloor sediment allowed a regional slope stability model to be developed (Lee et al. 1999).
