Creep Processes of Continental Slope and Rise Sediments

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The overall objective of the research is to understand the mechanisms of creep and be able to predict the magnitudes and rates of displacements of submarine slopes. The previous 3-year program provides the geological basis, extensive experimental data base, and foundation of a finite element code for studying creep processes of slopes. The laboratory testing will focus on further development of analytical creep constitutive relationships for sediments found on the continental slope and rise. The finite element code will be expanded and improved to incorporate a wider range of material behavior and applied to more complex slope configurations. In the laboratory physical model portion of the program, in which actual experiments are just beginning, the apparatus will be improved to provide additional monitoring capabilities and more precise measurements. The research is scientifically relevant in terms of understanding a broad range of slope processes and has important implications to the sitting of offshore installations on slopes.