Consolidation characteristics and permeability for DSDP Leg 96 holes

Geotechnical properties of Quaternary sediments from the middle and lower regions of the Mississippi Fan show that the sediments are normally to overly consolidated to a depth of 40 to 50 m below the seafloor. Below that depth, the sediments become highly underconsolidated and exhibit high excess pore-water pressures. The state of underconsolidation is attributed to the rapid rates of sediment accumulation and the low permeability of smectite-rich clays.