Slope-stability analysis and creep susceptibility of Quaternary sediments on the northeastern United States continental slope

The continental slope off the northeastern United States is a relatively steep, morphologically complex surface which shows abundant evidence of submarine slides and related processes. Because this area may be developed by the petroleum industry, questions arise concerning the potential for further slope failures or unacceptable deformations and the conditions necessary to cause such instabilities. Accordingly, a generalized analysis of slope stability and the stress—strain—time-dependent behavior of the sediments is being conducted.