Morphodynamics and Slope Stability of the Andaman Sea Shelf Break (Thailand)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Sebastian Krastel
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2006 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 24265275

The primary aim of our program will be the in situ characterisation of the current slope stability on the slope of the Andaman Sea shelf. Initially remote sensing techniques (acoustic) will be used to establish areas, which show clear indications of previous slope failure and tendency to fail in the near future. In a second phase we will recover sediments from areas of recent failures to identify volumes, timing, and frequency of slope failures in this seismically and tectonically highly active area. In addition, pore waters of the recovered sediments will be extracted and major geochemical parameters determined to support the estimation of timing of slope failures and slide events. In a third phase (in subsequent years) we will deploy instrumentation to monitor the stability and in situ deformation of critical slope areas. The information gathered during the program will be important for risk management of continental margins. In addition to its scientific goals, this proposal aims in substantially supporting Thai efforts in building up marine geoscientific capacities in Thailand.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Thailand
• Participating Persons: Dr. Anond Snidvongs; Dr. Wilhelm Weinrebe; Dr. Daniel Winkelmann