Long-term slope instability induced by the reactivation of mass transport complexes: An underestimated geohazard on the Norwegian continental margin

Jing, Song, Alves, Tiago M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2765-3760, Omosanya, Kamaldeen O. and Li, Wei 2023. Long-term slope instability induced by the reactivation of mass transport complexes: An underestimated geohazard on the Norwegian continental margin. GSA Bulletin 10.1130/B36816.1

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Abstract

Submarine landslides are significant geohazards, capable of displacing large volumes of sediment from continental margins to deposit mass transport complexes (MTCs) and generate offshore tsunamis. However, the reactivation of MTCs after their initial failure has long been overlooked. By analyzing high-quality three-dimensional seismic reflection data and seismic attribute maps, as well as comparing the geometry of different MTCs, we investigate the development of long-term slope instability and its hazardous consequences on the northwest flank of the Storegga Slide on the Norwegian margin. Our results demonstrate that the reactivation of MTCs can deform both their inner structure and overlying strata, promoting the formation of sinuous channels and local slope failures on the seafloor. These findings further reveal the MTCs that are underconsolidated or comprise slide blocks may remain unstable for a long time after their initial failure, particularly when affected by slope undercutting and a corresponding reduction in lateral support. This study shows that MTC-prone sequences are more likely to comprise regions of continental slopes with long-term instability and recurring marine geohazards.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Earth and Environmental Sciences
Publisher:	Geological Society of America
ISSN:	0016-7606
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 September 2023
Date of Acceptance:	3 July 2023
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2023 07:16
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/162181

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