Sound velocities in Gulf of Mexico sediments as related to physical properties and simulated overburden pressures

Abstract

Compressional wave velocities, shear strength, and related physical properties were determined in twelve sediment cores form various physiographic provinces in the Gulf of Mexico. Sound velocities at 25°C and 185 kHz range from 1483-1719 m/sec. A linear relationship is shown between acoustic impedance and bulk density for data from eleven cores. Equations are presented which predict the bulk density of a sediment whose sound velocity is 1483 m/sec [less than or equal to] V[subscript SED] [less than or equal to] 1552 m/sec. Porosity of the sediment is then predicted from a linear relationship between porosity and bulk density; the median diameter is estimated form a broad, direct relationship between median diameter and sound velocity. Sound velocity was fund not to be related to carbonate content, cohesion or specific gravity of solids. ...