Encyclopedia Titanica

Geotechnical Investigation of the Titanic Wreck Site

Marine Georesources & Geotechnology

   Join Us and Hide Ads

This article provides insights into the sediment composition, geological stability, and forensic analysis at the Titanic wreck location, focusing on how sediment properties affected the ship’s impact and burial on the seafloor.

by Angus I. Best, William Powrie, Toby Hayward & Max Barton
Key Points

Sediment Composition

Sediment samples show a mix of sandy mud and foraminiferal ooze with iron oxide streaks, suggesting stability since 1912.

Impact Analysis

Geotechnical models indicate a shallow impact angle (less than 40°) and a slower descent speed, challenging earlier high-speed impact assumptions.

Environmental Stability

The seafloor near the wreck has been largely undisturbed by seismic or environmental events since the Titanic sank.

Laboratory Findings

Shear strength tests on the sediment confirm that the impact was an undrained event, meaning the sediment resisted water flow during the ship’s descent.

Burial Depth and Positioning

The bow section is embedded approximately 12 meters into the sediment, with forensic models suggesting a glide to its resting position.

Find it on doi.org

Encyclopedia Titanica is not responsible for the content of external sites, and the availability of links may change.

About Research References on Encyclopedia Titanica
This item is not available to read on Encyclopedia Titanica, but we have included it as a reference, provided a brief summary of the key points, and linked to the original source to help readers interested in the finer details of the Titanic story.

Find Related Items

Geotechnical Analysis Sediment Stability Impact Velocity Shear Strength Foraminiferal Ooze Burial Depth Seafloor Stability Forensics Undrained Impact Titanic Wreck Site

Contribute

  Get in touch