ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the consolidation characteristics and geotechnical properties of the sediment recovered from seven foundation borings on the Mississippi delta complex utilizing new techniques for maintaining samples under in situ pressure conditions. Rapid accumulation of organic-rich sediments and the subsequent anaerobic, biogenic decomposition of organic material on the Mississippi River delta have led to sediment regions with high methane concentrations. Substantial quantities of biogenic methane gas are found in the surficial sediments of the Mississippi Delta. The presence of methane gas in the pro-delta sediments is believed to play a major role in sediment instability phenomena. The continental shelf deposits of offshore Louisiana are predominately clayey sediments of late Quaternary age. The nature, distribution and thickness of these deposits reflect the effects of sea level fluctuation during this time and the proximity to the Mississippi River.
