56 



HISTORY OF THE OCEANS 



about 0.3 to 0.5 (porosity approximately 29%). Figure 2 illustrates 

 this fact and shows the funneling effect derived when a number of 

 plots are made for different clays; this convergence is even more 

 marked at pressures greater than about 100 kg cm-. This phe- 

 nomenon allows the use of generalizations in studying the effects 

 of overburden pressures on consolidation even though the exact 

 sediment type (in the silt-clay range) and \'oid ratios at the site 

 are largely unknown. The curves from Skempton (1953) (Fig. 2) 



1.5 20 25 3.0 



VOID RATIO, e 



Fig. 2. Consolidation (e - log p) curves for clay and Glohigerina ooze. 



