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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.

May 3 - Day 17 - Status Report

3 May 2005 - Atwater Valley Block 14 - coring on mound at AT14#3

Location: Atwater Valley Block 14

Science Update: After reviewing objectives in light of the remaining cruise schedule, the Science Party recommended coring on mound F instead of at proposed AT14#2. We should be at mound site ATM1 (AT14#3 27°56'11.62”N, 89°16'46.09”W) by 18:00 hrs tonight, and ready to core shortly after. Site AT14#3 will penetrate a mound structure at which hydrate has previously been recovered and at which a high-reflectivity amplitude anomaly is located approximately 30 meters below the sea floor.

After shallow (<30 m) coring on the mound, we will leave the Atwater Valley area by 07:00 on 5/6/05 and transit to Keathley Canyon.

Plans: Core ATM1 (AT14#3), depending on results either core a second mound site or proceed to Keathley Canyon.

four time-lapse images of hydrate mound on the seafloor

A time-lapse digital camera assembly installed on the seafloor recorded hourly images of the growth or dissolution of an exposed hydrate deposit. These photos were taken during a research expedition to the northern Gulf of Mexico (Green Canyon 185, known as Bush Hill) in June of 2002.  This expedition was taken as part of a study to determine the potential impacts of gas hydrate instability in terms of the release of methane into seafloor sediments. DOE/NETL project DE-FC26-02NT41328

Planning and Data Sheet for AT14 - #3   [PDF-10KB] 
Includes Scientific objectives for these drill sites

Photos:
Day 16 Photo Gallery  - Photos by NETL scientist showing core analyses process and equipment
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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