Abstract
Periplatform sediments from the slopes north of little Bahama Bank and Exuma Sound were studied extensively for use as a model for sediments in other similar environments within the upper 50 to 150 meters below the seafloor where mechanical consolidation is the dominant diagenetic process. The depth at which consolidation is the dominant diagenetic process varies, depending on sediment fabric and grain size. Matrix-supported sediments have a higher proportion of metastable minerals and undergo diagenesis earlier and at shallower depths than grain-supported sediments. Periplatform sediments consolidate differently than marine clays. Overall, they consolidate less and do not reach as low a void ratio as do marine clays under mechanical consolidation. A volume change model developed from deep-water carbonates appears to be equally applicable to shallow-and mid-water carbonates when consolidation is the dominant process. The major differences in periplatform sediment properties affected by consolidation seem to be roughly controlled by fabric grain size and particle type. Grain-supported sediments have higher permeabilities than matrix-supported sediments because the pore throats are protected by grains. The relationship between permeability and porosity is also controlled by the fabric; total porosity is not a good predictor of permeability. In addition, porometry changes during consolidation revealed changes in pore size and numbers that were a function of matrix composition and grain support..
Lavoie, Dawn L. (1989). Geotechnical properties of periplatform carbonate sediments. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -1109042.