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 6-8 - Days 20-22 - Status Report
6-8 May - Keathley Canyon
Location: Keathley Canyon
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Vertical pressure core logger |
Science Update - May 6-8: During transit from Atwater Valley to Keathley Canyon the successfully collected and transferred pressurized core from Atwater Valley was logged with the vertical gamma-ray logger (shown at right), which provided a 1-D gamma density profile of the core through the aluminum storage chamber. The low density material, which may signify the presence of hydrate, imaged by X-ray CT scan was confirmed by the gamma logger.
The transit to Keathley Canyon was completed this morning (May 7) and preparations for the Logging While Drilling (LWD) hole are underway. Shallow (1 meter) push cores were collected by the ROV while beacons were being deployed. The cores appeared to be oxidized red-brown mud in the uppermost 15-20 cm, with typical green-grey mud below.
Photos of push core retrieval by ROV
KC151#1 LWD hole was spudded this morning (May 8) and is drilling ahead as planned (140 mbsf by 1700 hrs). LWD response is consistent with an expected seismic feature (unconformity) and a 5-m thick sand. Sediments at Keathley Canyon are more compacted than those in Atwater Valley. Porosity has decreased to 50% at a depth of 100 mbsf. The pressurized core ATM2-5P was further investigated by degassing while scanning in the Multi Sensor Core Logger (MSCL)-V. Gas and liquid samples are being collected for analysis during the degassing.
Plans: Review LWD results and adjust or refine KC151#2 coring plan.
Planning and Data Sheet for KC151 - #1 [PDF-10KB]
Maps of drill sites - Shows Keathley Canyon and Atwater Valley locations
Special Report - core handling
Special Report - Conventional Wireline Logging Operations in the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate JIP Drilling Program - Timothy Collett, USGS
Photos:
Day 16 Photo Gallery - Photos by NETL scientist showing core analyses process and equipment
Day 13 Photo Gallery - Photos by NETL scientist showing drilling preparation
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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