Sediment failure and sedimentary framework of the wilmington geotechnical corridor,U.S. atlantic continental margin

Seaward of New Jersey and the Baltimore Canyon Trough, a 7500 km² corridor across the continental margin was studied in detail using geotechnical and geophysical techniques. The objective of the study was to identify the sedimentary pattern and bottom processes which have occurred and are active on the continental margin. Delineation of a mid-Pliocene unconformity, present throughout most of the corridor, permits an evaluation of the Quaternary sedimentation pattern and its variability. Sediment failure characterized by large slide blocks and thin layer slide deposits was found on the continental slope and rise within the Quaternary sediments. Spencer and Wilmington Submarine Canyons have been active in channeling large volumes of sediment to the lower slope and rise. An increase in sediment thickness near Wilmington Canyon indicates the importance and activity of the Delaware Bay drainage system during the Pleistocene. Although both Spencer and Wilmington are as old as late Tertiary the Wilmington Valley on the lower slope and rise is a recent topographic feature. Based on geophysical data the numerous valleys that dissect the continental slope and rise appear to be active periodically in the seaward transport of sediment to the deep sea.