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 29 - Day 13 - Status Report
29 April 2005 - On Location Atwater Valley Block 13 - Core recovery from the depth interval 126-134 meters beneath the sea floor
Location: On location Atwater Valley Block 13#2
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Retrieving the FPC |
Science Update: The HYACE Rotary Corer (HRC) pressurized coring tool deployed last night as core 10R failed to capture a core. A nonpressurized core (11H) was recovered at about midnight from the depth interval 126-134 meters beneath the sea floor. Core 11H (similar to 9H) also shows a different fluid chemistry than the shallower (0-45 m) section cored earlier, with lower salinity and gas content. The seismic amplitude anomaly targeted at 120-130 mbsf was shown by core logging and X-ray imaging of core 11H to be a distinct density contrast caused by a change in lithology. Coring was interrupted again by electrical problems in the drilling systems, and was resumed this morning with deployment of the Fugro Pressure Corer (FPC) tool as core 12P. The FPC barrel separated and stuck at the bottom of the hole. The lower half of the FPC tool was successfully recovered by 1300 hrs today.
Plans: Coring is starting again with two consecutive Fugro Hydraulic Pressure Corer (FHPC) cores (13H, 14H) one temperature measurement, and a deployment of the piezoprobe (core 15PI) at the base of the 119-153 mbsf cored interval. Following this the hole will be deepened to 200 m where a final FHPC core (16H) will be attempted before beginning the wireline logging program.
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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