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Physical Properties and their Relationship to Texture and Consolidation

Effects in Pliocene-Quaternary Sediments from Madeira Abyssal Plain

Article  in  Marine Georesources and Geotechnology · October 2006

DOI: 10.1080/10641190600788437

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 Physical properties and their relationship to texture and consolidation
effects in Pliocene-Quaternary sediments from Madeira Abyssal Plain.
D. Casas1*, G. Ercilla1, J. Baraza1, B. Coakley2.
1
Institut de Ciències del Mar. CMIMA. CSIC. Passeig Marítim de la
Barceloneta, 37-49. 08003 Barcelona. SPAIN.
* Fax: +34- 932309555/ [email protected]

2
Department of Geology & Geophysics. University of Alaska Fairbanks. P.O.
Box 755780, Fairbanks AK 99775-5780.

ABSTRACT

Multi Sensor Core Logger data and index properties were measured

onboard the JOIDES resolution during ODP Leg 157 and compared with grain

size distribution and carbonate contents measured in the on-shore laboratory.

Cored sediments are similar in grain size, but very variable in carbonate

content. Magnetic susceptibility clearly defines the volcanic turbidite layers,

whereas GRAPE density and acoustic velocity help to define the coarser (silty)

bases of some organic or calcareous turbidite layers. Index properties are

mostly controlled by consolidation effects.

Keywords: physical properties, sediment texture, index property, shear

strength.

1
1. INTRODUCTION

Physical properties of marine sediments are important variables to

understand geological events of marine environments. Several studies have

been conducted to examine the relationship between physical and textural

parameters of marine sediments (Hamilton and Bachman, 1982; Orsi, Dunn,

1991; Weber et al., 1997; Kim et al., 2001). Sediment physical properties

depend to a large extent on the lithology, the grain size and composition of the

sediment (clay, quartz, biogenic carbonate, and silica) (Hamilton et al., 1982;

Nobes et al, 1991). The wet-bulk density, for example, is related to porosity,

grain density and is partially controlled by grain size (Johnson and Olhoeft,

1984). The acoustic velocity is controlled by porosity, carbonate and clay

contents (Hamilton et al., 1982; Mienert, 1984; Nobes et al., 1986). Physical

properties are also influenced by diagenetic effects, not only decrease of

porosity with increasing compaction, but also cementation and carbonate

dissolution (Nobes et al., 1992).

Continuous coring at sites 950a to 952a of ODP Leg 157 recovered more

than 1000 m thick sediment sequence, from the deep floor of the Madeira

Abyssal Plain (Fig. 1). Four lithologic units define the Eocene to Quaternary

sedimentary stratigraphy of the Madeira Abyssal Plain (Schmincke et al. 1995).

Unit I (Pleistocene to middle Miocene) consists of turbidite layers interbedded

with pelagic nannafossil oozes. There are three primary types of turbidites

(volcaniclastic, organic-rich and calcareous), originated from volcanic islands,

northwestern African margin and seamounts respectivelly. Unit II (Middle

Miocene) consists of massive calcarenite composed of coarse shallow-water

carbonate clasts that originated from the seamount complex. Unit III consists of

2
dominantly red pelagic clays interbedded with nanofossils and volcanic ash.

Unit IV consists of two units of volcaniclastic siltstone and sandstone layers

interlayered with a clay layer.

A continuous record of the physical properties of the sediments was

acquired after core recovery, which have been published as preliminary results

(Baraza et al., 1996; ODP Leg 157 Shipboard Scientific Party, 1995; Schmincke

et al. 1995). More detailed observations of sediment physical properties are

presented here, as well as the results of post-cruise sedimentological analyses.

The aim of this paper is to determine the relationship of sedimentologic changes

(composition and texture of turbiditic vs. volcani-clastic vs. pelagic sediments)

with physical properties of the sediments recovered on the Madeira Abyssal

Plain and compare these to similar effects caused by consolidation and

diagenetic processes.

2. METHODOLOGY

The methodology comprises measurements made on-board and post

cruise laboratory analysis. The on-board measurements were made for physical

and index properties of the types of sediments; the physical properties were

continuously measured whereas the index properties were made on discrete

samples. The post-cruise laboratory analysis was made on texture and

composition of discrete samples. The samples were selected based on

observations and preliminary sedimentological analysis made onboard (ODP

Leg 157 Shipboard Scientific Party, 1995).

3
2.1. On-board Measurements

2.1.1. Multi-Sensor Core Logger

Continuous, non-destructive high-resolution measurements of physical

properties were obtained by using a multi-sensor core logger (MSCL), at room

temperature (22º). The measured parameters include wet-bulk density (by

Gamma Ray Attenuation, GRAPE), magnetic susceptibility (MS) and P-wave

velocity (Shipboard Scientific Party, 1995; Weber, 1997). Typical sampling rate

was one measurement every 1-2 cm for GRAPE, 5.10 cm for MS, and 2.5 cm

for P-wave velocity measurement throughout the entire cores at sites 950a to

952a. The process of extended core barrel (XCB) coring creates an annular

disturbance around the center of the core. Therefore, the cores recovered with

this technique are partially disturbed and the data measured through the liner

can be significantly affected (Pisciotto et al., 1990). Because this disturbance,

P-wave velocity was measured only down to 160 mbsf (meters below sea floor)

at 950a, 118 mbsf at 951a, and 143 mbsf at 952a. This study focuses on data

obtained from the upper 200 mbsf on each site (Unit I), where the APC

(advanced piston core) was used, minimizing core disturbance.

2.1.2. Discrete Measurements

Discrete samples for physical properties were taken about once per

section (about every 1.5 m) in holes 950a to 952a, with two main goals: (1)

sampling was intended to include all lithologies present; and (2) samples

selected were relatively undisturbed and intended to be representative of in-situ

conditions. Discrete measurement of physical properties included index

properties (porosity, wet density, dry density, grain density, and water content),

4
as well as undrained shear strength and compressional-wave velocity

(Shipboard Scientific Party, 1995). Index properties were determined by

gravimetric techniques using the salt-corrected weights and volumes as outlined

by Hamilton (1970) assuming an interstitial pore-water salinity of 35%.

In soft sediments, samples of 5 to 10 cm3 of sediment were sampled with

a syringe, and placed in precalibrated aluminium beakers. Mean sample

weights were determined from multiple discrete weights by using a Scitech

electronic balance to a precision of ±0.005 g with a confidence level of 99.5%.

Sample volumes were determined using a helium-displacement Quatachrome

Penta Pycnometer, with a precision of ±0.03 cm3. The samples were placed in

an oven for 24 hr at about 105ºC, and the dry weight and volume were again

measured. More consolidated sediments were sampled by placing small chunks

of the sediments in the calibrated cylinders and their weight and volume

measured by repeating the preceding process. The calculation procedures to

determine index properties, are detailed in "Explanatory Notes" chapter, Leg

151 (Shipboard Scientific Party, 1995).

The motorized vane shear (Wyckeham-Farrance, laboratory miniature

vane shear device) and the handheld penetrometer (CL-700) were used to

measure the sediment strength. The two instruments correlate well throughout

over which both measurements were made. Measurements were performed at

an average rate of one per core section during the first 100 mbsf, and every

other section below this depth.

The undrained shear strength can be determined using a vane that is

inserted into soft sediment and rotated until the sediment fails. Failure can be

defined as the maximum principal stress difference, which is the same as the

5
(unconfined) compressive strength of the specimen. At a prescribed strain,

shear strength is related to compressive strength which is determined by

reading the vertical strain, such us with the pocket penetrometer. The value

must be divided by 2 to obtain the shear strength.

The undrained shear strength reported is the peak strength determined

from the torque vs. strain plot (maximum value of torque recorded). In addition,

the residual strength was determined from the same plot. After the peak

strength the readings will decrease to a value that is more or less constant with

continued rotation. This minimum value is a measure of the residual strength of

the soil, that is, the strength of the soil after experiencing large strains.

For soft sediments, P -wave velocity was determined using a Digital

Sound Velocimeter (DSV) of Dalhousie University/Bedford Institute of

Oceanography (Mayer et al., 1987; Courtney and Mayer, 1993). For more

consolidated material, measurements were made with the Hamilton Frame

system on pieces of sample removed from the liner, usually along the axis of

the core.

2.2. Post-cruise Laboratory Analyses

2.2.1. Grain-size Analyses

As a first step, the sediment fraction (> 50 µ) was separated from the

fraction (> 50 µ) by wet sieving. Subfractions (< 50 µ) were analyzed using a

Sedigraph 5100D (Stein, 1985) using sodium hexametaphosphate for the

dispersed medium. Subfractions (> 50 µ) were analyzed by means of a settling

tube (Giró and Maldonado, 1987). These instruments measure the size

distribution of particles dispersed in a liquid by assuming velocities of sinking

6
particles in a viscose fluid using Stoke’s law. The results of both measurements

were integrated and the total distribution of size classes in the samples was

calculated.

2.2.2. Calcium Carbonate Analyses

Calcium carbonate content in the samples was determined by the

gasimetric method with a modified Bernard calcimeter, according to the method

described by Vatan (1967). The bulk sample is pulverized to achieve total

homogenization and is later attached with dilute HCl at atmospheric pressure.

The weight percent of CaCo3 in the sample is then calculated from the volume

of CO2 released.

3. RESULTS

3.1. Multi-Sensor Core Logger

3.1.1. GRAPE Bulk Density

Measured GRAPE density values of Leg 157 range between 1.25 and

2.0 g/cm3, showing a large scatter. The downcore trend of average GRAPE

density for the three holes is quite similar (Fig. 2). The values near the mudline

vary between 1.27 g/cm3 in site 950a and 1.45 g/cc in sites 951a and 952a and

increase continuously downcore to 1.75 -1.80 g/cm3 in the interval between 100

and 120 mbsf. Below this depth, the values show small variations. The

downcore profile is centered around 1.75 g/cm3 with some exceptions.

A comparison among the p-wave velocity, magnetic susceptibility and

density with regard to lithology (Fig. 3) shows that there is a sharp increase in

7
density at the base of coarser-grained sediment layer (143 mbsf) that consist of

volcanic or calcareous turbidite (1.8 to > 2.0 g/cm3). The layer is interbedded

between the lower density (avg. 1.65-1.70 g/cm3), organic-rich turbidite layers.

The major differences occur between 325-350 mbsf on site 950a and 374-405

mbsf on site 952a, where values between 1.8 and 2.0 g/cm3 were recorded.

These intervals correspond to more indurated sediments, either calcarenites,

red clays or sandstones.

3.1.2. Magnetic Susceptibility

Magnetic susceptibility (MS) is a measure of the concentration of the

magnetizable components within the sediment. Volume magnetic susceptibility

(k) is a dimensionless ratio defined by the relation k=M/H, where M is a

magnetization per unit volume induced by the applied magnetic field H

(Collinson, 1983; Thompson and Oldfield, 1986). Magnetizable constituents of

deep-sea sediments include ferromagnetic and paramagnetic minerals

(compounds containing Fe2+, Fe3+, or Mn2+ ions, like clay minerals, particularly

chlorite and smectite; ferromagnesian silicates like olivines, pyroxenes, biotite,

and garnet); iron and manganese carbonates like siderite, ankerite, and

rhodochrosite; and some iron sulphides like pyrite (Robinson, 1990; Sager and

Hall, 1990). Therefore, downcore variations in the MS values of deep-sea

sediments may reflect changes in lithology (proportion of biogenic -carbonate

and silica to lithogenic -clay and labile minerals- components).

The susceptibility measurements of Leg 157 indicate that the recovered

sediments are generally low in magnetic minerals and highly variable with

8
depth, showing significant variations at a relatively fine scale probably related to

changes in lithology. Susceptibility values at sites 950a to 952a show a back-

ground level of about I to 20•10-6 SI units, punctuated by high-amplitude spikes

with values as great as 100 to 200•10-6 SI units (Fig. 4). These peaks occur

throughout the entire holes, but they are not uniformly distributed, nor can they

be simply correlated between holes. The intervals of lower susceptibility

coincide with the layers of thin (or absent gray) volcanic-rich turbidites and

green (organic) or white (calcareous) turbidites and pelagite. The peaks of high

magnetic susceptibility are correlated with gray, volcanic turbidites. Calcite and

quartz are the dominant minerals in all sediments (ODP Leg 157 Shipboard

Scientific Party, 1995), but differences in accessory mineral phases may

account for the differences in magnetic susceptibility. Gray (volcanic) turbidites

contain feldspar as an important component of the accessory phase, together

with some clay minerals (illite, kaolinite, smectite, and some pyroxenes),

contrasting with the other turbidites on which only illite, kaolinite, chlorite, or

other clay minerals are present.

3.1.3. Acoustic Velocity

An analysis of acoustic velocity is useful for geophysical modelling and

interpretation, and may provide diagnostic information on the lithologic

variations. Several studies have focussed on the relationship between acoustic

velocity and porosity and lithology (Fulthorpe et al., 1989; Hamilton et al., 1982;

Hamilton and Bachman, 1982; Mienert, 1984; Mienert et al., 1988; Nobes et al.,

1986; Nobes et al., 1991), especially the dependence on clay and carbonate

contents (Hamilton et al., 1982; Mienert, 1984; Nobes et al., 1991). Measured P

9
-wave velocity values are anomalously low in cores and show a considerable

scattering. Average acoustic velocities in holes 950a to 952 are close to 1450-

1475 m/s near the mudline and show a smooth downcore increase (1550 m/s)

at 20 mbsf. Below this depth, there is an increase or decrease with a relatively

homogeneous trend at about 1525 m/s (Fig. 5). In some cores, there are

discontinuity measurements caused by core disturbance. Below 110 mbsf the

average values of velocity are 1530 m/s and there is not a marked trend

downcore. The most clear velocity discontinuities at the three holes can be

correlated to thin pelagic intervals, where relative increases in velocity are

recorded, as well as to the bases of some volcanic-rich turbidites intervals,

where a relative decrease in velocity occurs.

3.2. Discrete Measurements

The results of discrete physical properties measurement (bulk density,

water content, and porosity) in the holes of the Madeira Abyssal Plain show in

general a range of variability of index properties for normally consolidated, fine-

grained deep-sea sediments. The downcore variation in the cores is indicative

of gradual compaction of the sediment by increasing overburden, and shows

information on compositional changes within the sediment. Furthermore,

physical properties show a close relationship to the lithologic units in the

different holes and also provide information for a further lithological

differentiation within lithologic units (Shipboard Scientific Party, 1995).

10
3.2.1. Water Content and Porosity

Both water content and porosity decrease downcore. The rate of

decrease is variable, probably related to major lithologic changes (Figs. 6, 7).

The higher values of porosity (80%) occur at the surface and major decrease in

water content and porosity occur below 100/120 mbsf. At this interval, porosity

decreases by an average of 40%, from 80% at 0 mbsf to 35-60% at 100/ 120

mbsf. Water content decreases by a 20%, from 56% at 0 mbsf to 35% at

100/120 mbsf. Below this depth the rate decreases to about 200 mbsf. At this

depth, porosity averages 52% and mean water content is 29%. In the upper

part, 100/120 mbsf, porosity and water content decrease by 20-40%. In the

following 100 mbsf the average decreases to 4% for porosity and 6% for water

content.

At three sites, variations in water content and porosity show a very similar but

reversed pattern with wet-bulk density.

3.2.2. Bulk Density

Between 0 and 200 mbsf the bulk density at holes 950a to 952a

increases steadily downcore from a minimum value of about 1.45 g/cm3 just

beneath the sea floor to a maximum value of about 1.95 g/cm3 (Fig. 8). Bulk

density varies downcore the rate of change is within the top 100 mbsf it

increases to about 1.80 g/cm3 and then, it maintains a value between 110 and

200 mbsf. The highest bulk density (from 1.85 to 2.08 g/cm3) corresponds to the

relatively coarse-grained layers of volcaniclastic or calcareous turbidite

intervals. The typical downcore profile of increasing bulk density (Fig. 8) and

decreasing porosity and water content with depth (Fig. 6), suggests that the

11
dominant process within the sediment in the upper 200 mbsf is the gravitational

compaction from overburden pressure. The slower rate of decrease/increase in

these index properties below 100/120 mbsf implies that sediments below that

depth are almost completely consolidated.

3.2.3. Grain Density

Grain density depends on the minerals that form the sediment. It usually

does not have a characteristic depth trend. The grain density profile shows,

however, a marked trend downcore in holes 950a to 952a, which must be

related to compositional changes in the sediment at a basin scale. Grain density

profiles in holes 951a and 952a are quite similar, but they differ notably with

respect to the profile measure for hole 950a, especially in the upper 220 mbsf

(Fig. 9).

In hole 950a grain density value decreases steadily down core from an

average value of 2.86 g/cm3 near the sea floor to an average value of 2.72

g/cm3 at approximately 150 mbsf. The rate decreases below 100 mbsf, and

below about 140 mbsf. Below 140 mbsf there is a sharp increase to an average

value of 2.80 g/cm3, decreasing to 2.77 g/cm3 at 175 mbsf and then increasing

again to 2.80 g/cm3 at 200 mbsf. In holes 951a and 952a grain density values at

the top are 2.68 g/cm3 (average), and show a continuous increase to about 2.73

g/cm3 at 100 mbsf. At this depth a relative discontinuity occurs together with a

high scattering that continues down to 200 mbsf. The average grain density

seems to decrease to 2.70 g/cm3 at 125 mbsf, and then to increase again to

2.80 g/cm3 at 200 mbsf. The larger values of grain density correspond to the

silty and sandy intervals of turbidite beds.

12
3.3. Undrained Shear Strength

The measurements of laboratory vane shear strength were made at the

interval between 85.7 m depth in hole 950a (Shipboard Scientific Party, 1995)

and 167, 180 and 189 mbsf at holes 950a, 951a and 952a, respectively. Further

downcore the hand-held penetrometer was used until the sediment strength

exceeded its measuring limits (approximately 250 kPa). Both types of strength

measurements were used simultaneously for 150 to 180 m in the holes (951a).

A good correlation was observed between the data obtained by the two

methods, although penetrometer readings tend to give higher values than those

obtained with the laboratory vane shear and a large scatter of results.

Data obtained in the three holes show an expected trend of increasing

strength downcore from near 0 kPa at the mudline to 200-230 kPa between

200-260 mbsf (Fig. 10). In some cases, strength variations seem to correspond

to specific sediment types or lithologic changes within the turbidites. For

instance, low strength values (50-100 kPa), e.g. below 200 mbsf in hole 950a,

correspond to the weaker nannofossil-rich beds, whereas in hole 952a the

deeper carbonate turbidites were strong or even stronger than the interbedded

clay-rich turbidites, suggesting a change in the primary composition or perhaps

the diagenetic history between the two holes.

4. Post-cruise Laboratory Analyses

4.1. Grain-size Distribution

Results of grain-size analysis show homogeneity of grain-size

distributions among all three sites. Attending to the percentages of the three

13
main size-fractions, most of the analyzed samples are classified as silty clays

with only small amounts of sand (less than 17%). Mean silt content is about

23%, but it varies between 5 and 40%. Only three samples fall within the clayey

silt range (silt content 53-64%), and one sample is sand (68%) with a small silty-

clayey fraction. Figure 11 shows a triangular plot of these results, on which

almost all samples fall just above the silt-clay axis. Mean grain sizes mainly vary

between 8 and 9.6 phi although a small group of coarser samples from 4.5 to

7.2 phi is also identified (Fig. 12). The sandier samples are taken from near the

base of some calcareous turbidite intervals, whereas those with higher silt

content correspond to the lower section of organic or volcanic turbidites. The

fine grain-size and low variability observed for the samples is a reflection of the

distal depositional environment where these turbidites accumulated.

4.2. Carbonate Content

Carbonate contents at the three sites range between 5% and 93%.

Carbonate contents are greater than 40% in 85% of samples (Fig. 13) and a

group of samples show especially high carbonate values (>75%) allowing the

differentiation of certain sediment types based on this parameter. The higher

carbonate contents correspond to the calcareous turbidites and to the

nannofossil oozes that constitute some of the pelagic intervals. The reduced

number of samples having the larger sand contents (generally less than 15%)

are also characterized by higher carbonate contents (>80%) suggesting their

initial attribution to basal foraminiferal sands of calcareous turbidite intervals

based on GRAPE density data.

14
5. DISCUSSION

5.1. Relationships among multi-sensor core logger.

The turbidites that constitute the sedimentary record of Madeira Abyssal

Plain, in spite of being quite easy to differentiate by visual observation due to

differences in colour, they are very similar in respect to specific

sedimentological aspects. They are all very fine grained and homogeneous, in

contrast there are clear differences in other sedimentological or compositional

aspects (i.e. carbonate content, mineralogy... etc). These differences may be

relevant to the physical identification of specific sediment types. The analysis of

the high resolution MSCL data allows to identify relationships between these

different physical properties and the corresponding sediment types.

In the present study, a marked correlation has been observed between

some of the physical parameters measured with the MSCL sensors and the

different lithologies recovered. In general, highs in magnetic susceptibility

correspond to lows in GRAPE density and P-wave velocity. The core sections

characterized by the highest magnetic susceptibility values always correspond

to volcanic turbidite layers, whereas organic-rich turbidites show the lowest

magnetic susceptibility and highs in density and velocity (Fig. 3). The larger

peaks in GRAPE density always correspond to the coarser (silty) bases of some

of the volcanic and organic-rich turbidite intervals. Calcareous- and intermediate

turbidite-type intervals have values of physical properties typically within the

range between the organic and volcanic intervals.

15
5.2. Index property-sediment relationships

Index properties are volumetric parameters calculated from the wet and

dry weights and volumes of the samples. But the relationships between some of

the index properties are also controlled by lithology, especially the grain density

which is the only parameter that depends mostly on the mineralogy of the

samples. Grain size laboratory analysis have shown that, despite the variability

suggested by the differences visually observed among the turbidite types,

almost all sediment types recovered are of similar size-range, with the

exception of the bases of some thick turbidite intervals which contain large

proportions of silt- or sand-size particles. Because of this low variability of

sediment grain sizes, it is suggested that the major contribution to the variability

observed on the physical properties would be controlled by either

chemical/mineralogical variations or to processes related to the consolidation of

the sediment by overburden.

5.3. P-wave velocity

Plots of velocity vs. porosity are particularly useful for distinguishing the

state of consolidation of sediment vs. the extent of diagenesis. The

compressional wave velocity behaviour of high porosity, unconsolidated

sedimentary deposits is primarily controlled by properties of the pore fluid

(Wood, 1941). In general, increasing consolidation in soft sediments tends to

increase velocity through a decrease in porosity, which leads to increasing grain

contact, whereas cementation produces a velocity increase through increased

rigidity of the sediment with little or no reduction in porosity (Willye et al., 1956;

Dadey and Klaus, 1992). On a plot of velocity vs. porosity measurements of

16
sediments from Leg 157 (Fig. 14) we observed a general trend to increase

velocity as porosity decreases. Higher porosity samples (porosity between 65-

82%) show velocities between 1510 and 1460 cm/sec, respectively. P-wave

velocity increases at a higher rate for samples with porosities lower than 60%. A

corresponding increase in P-wave velocity is observed for sediments with

higher bulk densities (Fig. 15). In this case, a linear correspondence and a

relatively good correlation exist for all two measurements. These observations

suggest that, in the upper 200 mbsf of the holes, depth (i.e., increased

consolidation) is a significant factor affecting the physical properties of the

sediment, especially the velocity.

5.4. Bulk density

A plot of bulk density vs. porosity (Fig.16) for three holes shows that most

samples follow a linear trend in which the higher porosities correspond to low

bulk density samples. The linear regression through the sediments gives an

equivalent grain density of 2.791 g/cm3, which is a little higher than the grain

density of the more common constituents of sediments, like quartz (2.64 g/cm3)

and calcite (2.71 g/cm3). The regression confirms that onboard measurements

are somewhat imprecise. The linear trend shows lower porosities than those

expected for bulk density. This lack of correspondence may be partially due to

the relative uncertainties on calculating the volume of the high water content

samples.

17
5.5. Carbonate content

Carbonate content is a parameter that normally has a major influence

over the physical properties of the sediment. Silica and clay minerals in general

have higher porosities than calcareous sediments, so increases in carbonate

contend tend to be correlated with decreases in porosity (Nobes et al., 1991).

Similar relationships are observed between bulk density and carbonate content

(Hamilton et al., 1982). This relationship is not clear for the sediments

recovered during Leg 157. A plot of carbonate content vs. porosity for all

analyzed samples (Fig. 17) shows a scatter, where the higher porosities

correspond to samples with intermediate values of carbonate. The only

identifiable difference is that low carbonate samples are more dispersed,

whereas intermediate- and carbonate-rich samples plot more clustered around

certain values of porosity. The effect of porosity decrease by compaction with

increasing depth of overburden is superimposed, and almost completely

overwhelms, the effect probably caused by the carbonate content on the

sediment. A plot of carbonate vs. grain density (Fig. 18) confirms that both

parameters are independent of each other, as samples of varying carbonate

content fall aligned along a horizontal line corresponding to a grain density of

2.79 g/cm3. Grain density values are more scattered for the samples low in

carbonate. This is a partially due to the fact that clay minerals have highly

variable grain densities, although the more common forms (illite, kaolinite and

montmorillonite) have average grain densities of 2.6 to 2.7 g/cm3. (Johnson and

Olhoeft, 1984).

18
5.6. Shear strength

Progressive consolidation due to overburden results in an expulsion of

interstitial water and an increase of friction between particles on the sediment.

The reduction of porosity and water content by progressive consolidation is the

major factor controlling the increase in shear strength with depth (Schmincke et

al., 1995). A plot of shear strength vs. water content for samples from all holes

(Fig. 19) shows the higher strength values for samples having water content

around 40% and a sharp decrease in strength as water content increases to

60%. Shear strength variations are smaller for samples with water contents

between 70 and 150%. Part of these variations could be related to changes in

cohesive forces developed in the clayey-rich sediments due to variations in the

clay mineralogy, for instance. But it has to be noted that the laboratory vane

shear apparatus was designed for use with clayey sediments with shear

strengths less than 100 kPa, and some of the turbidite sediments recovered on

Leg 157 have shear strength values exceeding that value. The scatter of

strength data for values over 100 kPa is illustrated on Fig. 20, where shear

strength is plotted against residual strength for each measurement. With the

exception of a group of samples, a good correlation and continuity in data are

observed between the two measurements for values up to 80 kPa, but above

this value data points are scattered and the correlation in not so well defined.

The control of the sediment strength by the consolidation of the sediments can

also be deduced by the relationship between shear strength and P-wave

velocity, a parameter that is commonly related to consolidation or diagenesis of

the sediment (Dadey and Klays, 1992). Figure 21 represents the strength and

corresponding value of P-wave velocity for each sample. A non-linear but

19
progressive increase in P-w velocity is observed for increasing strength values,

although some scattering exists, especially for strength values above 80 kPa.

6. CONCLUSIONS

1. The physical properties of the upper 200 m of the sedimentary infill of

Madeira Abyssal Plain are controlled by the degree of compaction, rather than

by changes in lithology.

2. High-amplitude peaks of magnetic susceptibility clearly differentiate between

the highly magnetizable, volcanic-rich turbidites and the low magnetic organic

and calcareous turbidites. Differences in magnetic susceptibility appear to be

related to changes in the mineralogical assemblage of the accessory phases.

3. GRAPE density and P-wave velocity appear mostly related to consolidation

effects, but at a detailed scale shows variations related to the presence of thin,

coarser-grained (silty) bases of some calcareous or organic-rich turbidite

intervals.

4. Variations in grain density do not have a defined downcore trend, but they

are mostly related to changes in composition (especially silica and carbonate)

and primary bulk mineralogy. Grain densities are relatively higher in the volcanic

turbidite intervals.

5. Index properties variations are mostly related to the decrease in porosity and

increase in bulk density of the sediment due to compaction by overburden.

20
Nevertheless, changes in the rate of downcore increase/decrease of given

index properties, or sharp breaks in the downcore trends may be related to

compositional changes (carbonate and silica content).

6. Carbonate content does not correlate with changes in porosity and grain

density, and does not show any particular effect on the variation of physical

properties of the sediments.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was founded by the European Commission ANAXIMANDER project

(EVK3-2001-00123), and by the “Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología” MARCONI

(REN2000-0336-C03) project and MARSIBAL (REN2001-3868-C03) project.

The support of these people and institutions is gratefully acknowledged. David

Casas thanks the Generalitat de Catalunya for the PhD grant (1999FI

00002CSIC PG).

21
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 FIGURE CAPTIONS

Figure 1. Location map of ODP sites 950a, 951a and 952 in the Madeira

Abyssal Plain.

Figure 2. GRAPE density profiles of the upper 200 mbsf of holes 950a, 951a

and 952a.

Figure 3. Lithologic Log and MSCL record (P wave velocity, magnetic

susceptibility, and GRAPE density) of a 25 m long section of hole 950a, from

125 to 150 mbsf.

Figure 4. Magnetic susceptibility profiles of the upper 200 mbsf os holes 5950a,

951a and 952a.

Figure 5. P-wave velocity record of the sites 950a (from 0 to 150 mbsf), 951a

(from 0 to 120 mbsf) and 952a (from 0 to 140).

Figure 6. Variation of water content and porosity vs. depth for all three holes

950a, 951a, and 952a.

Figure 7. Downcore variation of water content for sites 950a, 951a, and 952a.

Solid squares, solid circles and gray triangles represent samples from sites

950a, 951a and 952a, respectively.

Figure 8. Downcore variation of bulk density for sites 950a, 951a and 952a.

Solid squares, solid circles and gray triangles represent samples from sites

950a, 951a and 952a, respectively.

Figure 9. Downcore variation of grain density for sites 950a, 951a, and 952a.

Solid squares, solid circles and gray triangles represent samples from sites,

950a, 951a, and 952a, respectively.

Figure 10. Shear strength and residual strength vs. depth for holes 950a, 951a,

and 952a.

Figure 11. Ternary diagram of sand, silt and clay percentages obtained from the

analysed samples of all three holes 950a, 951a, and 952a.

Figure 12. Mean grain size diameter of samples vs. depth in holes 950a, 951a,

and 952a.

Figure 13. Histogram representing the number of samples with carbonate

contents for 10% intervals.

Figure 14. Comparison of porosity vs. P-wave velocity for all samples.

Figure 15. Bulk density vs. P-wave velocity for all samples.

28
 Figure 16. Porosity vs. bulk density for all samples.

Figure 17. Carbonate content vs. porosity for all samples.

Figure 18. Carbonate content vs. grain density for all samples.

Figure 19. Water content vs. shear strength for all samples.

Figure 20. Shear strength compared to residual strength for all samples.

Figure 21. P-Wave velocity vs. shear strength for all samples.

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