The National Methane Hydrates R&D Program
The DOE/JIP Gulf of Mexico Hydrate Research Cruise
During this expedition we will maintain a log of information relayed from the chief Scientist on the expedition. Whenever possible, images will be displayed along with the text.
April 28 - Day 12 - Status Report
28 April 2005 - On Location Atwater Valley Block 13 - Core Recovery
Location: On location Atwater Valley Block 13#2
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Retrieving the Core Barrel |
Science Update: A nonpressurized core (8H) was recovered last night (2100 hrs) from the depth interval 40-48 meters beneath the sea floor. The core liner contained several expansion gaps filled with gas, but no evidence of gas hydrate. The gas was mainly methane with minor CO2.
Plans: Coring was interrupted just before midnight by an electrical malfunction in the top drive, which is not expected to be repaired until after 1700 hrs today. When we resume coring we will take one more Fugro Hydraulic Pressure Corer (FHPC) core to a depth of about 44 mbsf, and then wash down without coring to a depth of 117 mbsf. The depth interval between 117 and 153 mbsf contains the most interesting indications of possible gas hydrate occurrence at this location, both from the seismic records and the Logging While Drilling (LWD) data.
Planning and Data Sheet for AT13 - #2 [PDF-10KB]
Includes Scientific objectives for these drill sites
Photos:
Day 12 Photo Gallery - Photos by NETL scientist showing core retrieval and processing
Day 10 Photo Gallery - Pressurized core prior to transfer to lab and seabed frame preparation
Day 6 Photo Gallery - Working with push cores and ROV photos of sample collection at AT 14
Day 4 Photo Gallery - Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), Sampling, Core Handling
Day 3 Photo Gallery - Preparation for Drilling
Day 2 Photo Gallery Loading the Uncle John [PowerPoint]
The drill ship out to sea - Setting up the lab [PowerPoint]
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