Geotechnical properties of deep-sea sediments from Central Indian Ocean Basin

Abstract

Physical and geotechnical properties of 2 sediment cores from the nodule rich area of the Central Indian Ocean Basin are studied to know the sediment characteristics. Average water content of sediment from 2 deep-sea cores is 289% with 151% as liquid limit and 103% as plastic limit. Average values of wet density, porosity and specific gravity are 1.21 x 10(6) g.m-3, 87%, and 2.35 respectively. Organic carbon content is < 1% for both the cores. Sand, silt and clay contents are 16, 32 and 52% respectively. Sediments are siliceous ooze, medium to high plastic and fine grained in nature. The properties are quite comparable to those reported for Pacific Ocean sediments.