Geotechnical properties of sediment cores from the southeastern yellow sea: Effects of depositional processes

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Abstract
Geotechnical properties of 20 scattered sediment cores from the southeastern Yellow Sea reveal that sediments contain certain common characteristics indicative of depositional processes. Silty and sandy sediments off the Taean Peninsula are largely consolidated and extensively bioturbated. Further seaward sandy sediments are consolidated in which sands are well sorted and shell fragments are scattered. In contrast, muddy sediments near the mouth of the Keum River are high in water and clay contents and low in shear strength. Water content increases with depth, but shear strength decreases. Fine sediments derived from the Keum River are restricted nearshore along the coast. Off the southwestern coast off Mokpo, sediments consist of well‐sorted silty layers and laminae with various degrees of bioturbation, which result in depth variations in water content and shear strength. Here, individual silty layers and laminae support the evidence of resuspension and deposition by strong tidal (and nearshore) currents. The laminae are thinner and more discrete towards deeper water with more extensive bioturbation. In the central depression of the Yellow Sea, water‐ and clay‐rich surface sediments are un‐derconsolidated, but underlying silt‐dominant sediments are normally consolidated. These sediments are high in calcium carbonate content, suggestive of the Huanghe River source.