Submarine faults and slides on the continental shelf, northern Gulf of Alaska

Marine Geotechnology
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Abstract

Submarine faults and slides or slumps of Quaternary age are potential environmental hazards on the outer continental shelf (OCS) of the northern Gulf of Alaska. Most faults that approach or reach the seafloor cut strata that may be equivalent in age to the upper Yakataga Formation (Pliocene‐Pleistocene). Along several faults, the seafloor is vertically offset from 5 to 20 m. A few faults appear to cut Holocene sediments, but none of these shows displacement at the seafloor. Submarine slides or slumps have been found in two places in the OCS region: (1) seaward of the Malaspina Glacier and Icy Bay, an area of 1200 km2 with a slope of less than 0.5°, and (2) across the entire span of the Copper river prodelta, an area of 1730 km2, having a slope of about 0.5°. Seismic profiles across these areas show disrupted reflectors and irregular topography commonly associated with submarine slides or slumps. Potential slide or slump areas have been delineated in areas of thick sediment accumulation and relatively steep slopes. These areas include (1) Kayak Trough, (2) parts of Hinchinbrook Entrance and Sea Valley, (3) parts of the outer shelf and upper slope between Kayak Island and Yakutat Bay, and (4) Bering Trough.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Submarine faults and slides on the continental shelf, northern Gulf of Alaska
Series title Marine Geotechnology
DOI 10.1080/10641197709379784
Volume 2
Issue 1-4
Year Published 1977
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Publisher location Philadelphia, PA
Description 16 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Marine Geotechnology
First page 275
Last page 290
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Gulf Of Alaska
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