Stress-strain behavior and stress state of Gulf of Mexico clays in relation to slope processes

Four geotechnical stratigraphic units, with different strength characteristics, are identified from four Jumbo Piston Cores taken in stable plateau regions on the Continental Slope in the Northwest Gulf of Mexico where normally consolidated conditions exist. A comparison of data from the plateau regions and the basin slope regions shows clear evidence of past slope failures. From the stress state determined on a slope of a basin, it is estimated that 8 to 12 meters was removed from the site prior to deposition of the existing five meters of overburden