Sediment thixotropy and submarine mass movement, Huanghe Delta, China

Laboratory analysis of clayey silt from the offshore Huanghe Delta, Shandong Prov., People's Republic of China, reveals thixotropic behavior. Fall cone tests show strength loss on remolding followed by strength regain at virtually constant water contents. The delta-front sediments experience wave loading during storms and widespread mass movement has been detected by acoustic surveying. Measurements from sea floor instruments and repeated sonographic survey during storms indicate repeated episodes of sediment motion consistent with thixotropy.