Microstructure of Red Clay from the Central Pacific Deep-Sea Basin: Significance to Subseabed Nuclear Waste Disposal
Abstract
The mircrostructure of deep-sea illitic red clay from the central Pacific Basin was investigated using transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Gravity core samples ( undisturbed ) and sediments from dredge hauls ( disturbed ) were used in the investigations and analysis. Dredged samples were remolded and reconsolidated to equivalent in situ porosities by geotechnical engineers from the University of Rhode Island for use in a scaled simulation test for the Subseabed Disposal Program, Sandia National Laboratories. This study was part of the In Situ Heat Transfer Experiment simulation test designed to investigate the thermal, fluid, mechanical, and chemical response of the sediment to a heater emplaced in the seabed. The clay fabric of the undisturbed core samples was compared with that of the remolded, reconsolidated sediment to investigate the effects of remolding, the mechanical disturbance due to the insertion of probes, and the induced thermal gradients due to heating of the sediment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA204274
Entities
People
- F. L. Nastav
- Huanan Li
- P. J. Burkett
- R. H. Bennett
- W. R. Bryant
Organizations
- Sandia National Laboratories