Preconditioning of sediment failure by astronomically paced weak-layer deposition
Xingxing Wang (China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology)
Vittorio Maselli (Università Degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia)
Luca Flessati (Geo-engineering)
Hongbin Wang (Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing)
Zhilei Sun (Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing)
Qing Wang (China University of Geosciences, Wuhan)
Jie Chen (China University of Petroleum (East China))
Qing Li (Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing)
Stefano Alberti (Oregon State University)
Markus Kienast (Dalhousie University)
Shucheng Xie (China University of Geosciences, Wuhan)
Qiliang Sun (Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan)
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Abstract
Low-strength sediment layers within continental slope strata precondition submarine sediment for failure, potentially leading to destructive tsunamis. Using geophysical and Ocean Drilling Program well data, here we show that the glide planes of widespread submarine failures in the northern South China Sea, dated to the glacial stages following the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, have higher opal content, particle size, and porosity, which reduce the undrained shear strength. Cyclic weak-layer deposition, modulated at Milankovitch time scale, was controlled by increased ocean primary productivity and sedimentation rates linked to high-amplitude sea-level fluctuations and intensified winter monsoons. This study represents an important step forward for understanding how climate influences the formation of weak layers and the stability of continental slope globally.
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