IODP Expedition 355
Arabian Sea Monsoon
Daily Science Report for 30 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (16°37.2766′N, 68°50.3365′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: After deploying the core barrel to cut Core U1456D-59R, we again noticed elevated torque, so we worked the pipe free before we resumed RCB coring. We then cut and recovered Cores U1456D-59R through 61R to 1024.4 m. After deploying the next core barrel, the WKM valve on the top drive failed. Since fixing the valve required tripping the drill bit back into the casing string, we decided do a round trip for a bit change slightly sooner than originally planned. We displaced the hole with heavy mud and then began to trip out of the hole. By the end of the day, the drill string had been tripped to 2317.5 mbrf.
Cores U1456D-58R through 61R were split and described. This interval consists of a mix of conglomerate, breccia, calcarenite, calcilutite, claystone, and limestone. Many intervals are nannofossil-rich. The conglomerate and breccia contain carbonate and limestone clasts, as well as a few volcanic clasts. Nannofossil biostratigraphy indicates that the carbonate and limestone clasts are Paleogene in age. We also had science presentations by two scientists. The first presented paleomagnetic results from the Pliocene of IODP Expedition 318 to Wilkes Land margin, Antarctica. The second talk demonstrated the use of Raman spectroscopy in heavy mineral studies.
Daily Science Report for 29 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (16°37.2766′N, 68°50.3365′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: We cut and recovered Cores U1456D-56R and 57R to 987.4 m (core recovery 103%). After experiencing increased pump pressures and excessive drill string torque, we worked the pipe back to 879.3 m, deployed a wash barrel, and reamed back to bottom, where we found 15 m of fill. We pumped two high-viscosity mud sweeps, recovered the wash barrel, and then continued RCB coring. By the end of the day, we had cut and recovered Core 58R to 996.6 m (29% core recovery).
Cores U1456D-52R through 57R were split and described. Most of this interval consists of dark green to gray claystone, claystone with nannofossils, and silty claystone. Much of the claystone is massive; however, some thin to medium bedded intervals occur. Burrows are found in the silty claystone and consist of Planolites, Chondrites, Phycodes, and Skolithos. The base of the described interval transitions from claystone to massive, light greenish white calcarenite with abundant nannofossils and common foraminifers. Combined biostratigraphic and paleomagnetic results indicate that this interval is middle to late Miocene in age. Analysis of discrete samples for moisture and density measurements is ongoing. We have also begun CHNS analysis of samples from Hole U1456D.
Daily Science Report for 28 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (16°37.2766′N, 68°50.3365′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: We cut and recovered Cores U1456D-48R through 55R (898.3–972.2 m) while continuing to pump mud sweeps after every other core. Core recovery over this interval averaged 65%, including three cores with >95% recovery. While cutting Core 55R, we noticed an abrupt change in the rate of penetration, which corresponded to a transition from mudstone to very indurated calcarenite in the bottom of the core. In the laboratories we split and described Cores U1456D-45R through 51R. The top of this interval consists of carbonate breccia, siltstone, claystone, calcilutite, and calcarenite. Most of the contacts between these lithologies are inclined, and small faults also occur. Downhole, the lithologies become finer grained and consist predominantly of brownish to greenish gray claystone and gray to grayish brown siltstone. Beds are often folded or faulted. Bioturbation is common, particularly in the claystone. Pyrite becomes more abundant downhole. The folded beds and small faults disappear near the bottom of the described interval. Calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer biostratigraphy indicate that this interval consists of a mix of early and middle Miocene species.
Daily Science Report for 27 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (16°37.2766′N, 68°50.3365′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: While Core U1456D-44R was being cut, the driller noted erratic changes in pump pressure and increased drill string torque. We pumped a 40-barrel high-viscosity mud sweep; however, there was no improvement in drilling parameters. We pumped another mud sweep and began to work the pipe. After recovering Core 44R (866.2–869.2 m), we decided to conduct a wiper trip by raising the bit up to 442.6 m (inside the 10¾″ casing that extends to 455.1 m) and then back to bottom to help stabilize the hole. We deployed a wash barrel while tripping back toward the bottom of the hole and began to wash and ream the borehole from 811 mbsf to the bottom of the hole at 869.2 mbsf. We detected 12 m of fill on the bottom. We pumped several more rounds of increasingly viscous mud to stabilize the hole. At 1700 h, hole conditions improved and we recovered the wash barrel. We then resumed RCB coring and cut and recovered Cores U1456D-45R to 47R (869.2–898.3 m; 78% recovery) by the end of the day. To help keep the hole stable we have begun to pump mud sweeps every other core.
We split and described Cores U1456D-39R through 44R. This interval transitions from light bluish gray and dark gray claystone at the top, to light greenish nannofossil-rich calcarenite and calcilutite interbedded with light brown siltstone and dark gray claystone. Thin to medium beds are present; some beds are tilted, folded, and faulted. Pyrite is common throughout this interval. Calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer biostratigraphy indicate a middle Miocene age. Natural gamma radiation and magnetic susceptibility are very low in these cores.
Daily Science Report for 26 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (16°37.2766′N, 68°50.3365′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: We cut and recovered Cores U1456D-34R through 43R (769.2–866.2 m) and continued to pump mud sweeps after every third core. Core recovery ranged from 56% to 102% over this interval, averaging 75%. The sedimentologists described Cores U1456D-30R through 38R. These cores are dominated by varying colors of claystone and siltstone, with lesser amounts of nannofossil chalk. Nannofossils are common in the dark green and bluish green claystone, but generally absent from the brown claystone. Some intervals are laminated, and others show inclined beds. Burrows are relatively common in greenish claystone and pyrite occurs in many of the cores. Nannofossil and foramininfer biostratigraphy indicate a Miocene age for this interval.
Daily Science Report for 25 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (16°37.2766′N, 68°50.3365′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: We cut and recovered Cores U1456D-22R through 33R to 711.0 m, pumping mud sweeps after every third core to help stabilize sandy intervals and maintain good hole conditions. Core recovery from Cores 22R through 29R was 37%. Recovery improved significantly in Core 30R (95% from Cores 30R–33R) after we penetrated into a section that is dominantly mudstone.
Cores U1456D-18R through 29R were split and described. This interval consists of sandstone, siltstone, and claystone. Much of the claystone is rich in nannofossils. The sandstones are typically graded and in erosive contact with the underlying clay. Calcareous microfossil biostratigraphy indicates that this interval is Miocene in age. Calcium carbonate measurements from Hole U1456C and the upper part of U1456D indicate that the carbonate content is generally low (<20%) throughout much of the sequence, with occasional intervals of higher carbonate content (>40%).
Daily Science Report for 24 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (16°37.2766′N, 68°50.3365′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: We cut and recovered Cores U1456D-9R through 21R (526.7–652.8 m). Core recovery varied from 2% to 96% over this interval, averaging 41.5%. In the laboratories, Cores U1456D-7R through 17R were split and described. The upper part of this interval transitions from sand-, silt-, and claystone into nannofossil chalk. The nannofossil chalk varies in color from white to gray and grayish green. The chalk is heavily bioturbated, with abundant Planolites, Chondrites, and Zoophycus traces. Towards the base of the described interval, the lithology returns to dominantly sand-, silt-, and claystone. Calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer biostratigraphy indicate that this sequence is Miocene in age.
Daily Science Report for 23 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (16°37.276646′N, 68°50.336516′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: We continued to trip the RCB assembly toward the seafloor and then deployed the subsea camera for reentry. After fixing a problem with the video feed from the camera, we reentered Hole U1456D at 0245 h and continued to lower the bit to the bottom of the hole. We deployed a wash core barrel and washed through the fill in the bottom of the hole, pumped a mud sweep, and then recovered the wash barrel in preparation for coring. Cores U1456D-2R through 8R (458.8–526.7 m) were cut and recovered by the end of the day. Core recovery over this interval averaged 35%; however, recovery in Core 8R improved significantly (86%).
Cores U1456D-2R through 6R (458.80–497.91 m) were split and described. These cores are predominantly sand, silt, and clay. Sand layers grade upward into silt and clay. Nannofossils are generally abundant in the clay intervals. Wood fragments were found near the top of Core 5R. Nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer biostratigraphy indicates an early Pliocene age for Core 6R. During the day, the Operations Superintendent gave a talk to the science party about coring tools used on the JOIDES Resolution.
Daily Science Report for 22 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (16°37.276646′N, 68°50.336516′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: We finished pulling the casing assembly back to the rig floor, and then the drilling crew investigated a noise detected in the top drive/swivel drilling package. After inspection, the top drive was reassembled and the drilling crew made up the rotary core barrel (RCB) bottom-hole assembly in preparation for coring operations at Hole U1456D. After slipping and cutting the drill line, we began to run in the hole with the RCB assembly. By the end of the day, the drill bit was at 2868.0 mbrf. The scientists worked to update their Methods sections before new core arrived on deck. We also conducted a ship-to-shore event with a group of high school teachers in France.
Daily Science Report for 21 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (Final: 16°37.276646′N, 68°50.336516′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: We continued to drill in the casing, with the reentry cone reaching the seafloor at 0710 h, placing the base of the casing string at 455.1 mbsf. We then attempted to release the casing running tool to pull out of the hole. Although the drill string was able to rotate to release the tool, the drilling assembly was unable to pull free of the reentry cone. In an effort to free the drill string, we offset the vessel in a grid pattern and eventually pulled free at 1135 h. We then began to trip the pipe out of the hole while retrieving the subsea camera to the ship. At the end of the day, the casing running tool had reached the rig floor and was being detorqued. In the laboratories, the scientists submitted first drafts of their results from Holes U1456A through U1456C. We also conducted a very successful ship-to-shore event with ~200 high school students in Bhagwanpur, India.
Daily Science Report for 20 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (Preliminary: 16°37.29′N, 68°50.34′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: The reentry cone, casing string, and stinger assembly were lowered to 3154.7 mbrf while filling the drill pipe with water every 15 stands. After deploying the subsea camera to prepare for starting Hole U1456D, we continued tripping the casing assembly toward the seafloor. Hole U1456D was spudded at 1035 h and we began to drill in the 10¾″ casing and reentry cone. By the end of the day, the casing had reached 326.6 mbsf. In the laboratories, the paleomagnetists finished analyzing all discrete samples from Hole U1456C. All laboratory groups continued to prepare draft site reports covering the results from Holes U1456A through U1456C.
Daily Science Report for 19 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (Preliminary: 16°37.29′N, 68°50.34′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: Preparations continued for casing operations in Hole U1456D. After the drill string was tripped to the rig floor and the upper guide horn removed, the drill crew made up the casing hanger assembly. They then assembled the mud motor with a 9⅞″ tri-cone drill bit and underreamer with arms set to 12¾″ diameter. The mud motor and underreamer were then function tested. After a successful test, the reentry cone was positioned over the moonpool. We then began assembling 455 m of casing, the casing shoe, and the casing hanger, which were latched into the reentry cone. After assembly, the reentry cone and casing string were deployed and lowered toward the seafloor, reaching 486.9 mbrf by the end of the day. In the laboratories, the paleomagnetists continued measurement of discrete samples from Hole U1456C and the paleontologists analyzed a few additional samples from within cores to refine the age model. Other laboratory groups continued writing up their results from the first three holes at Site U1456.
Daily Science Report for 18 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456D (Preliminary: 16°37.29′N, 68°50.34′E; water depth 3637.2 m)
Science Update: The FMS-sonic tool string reached to the bottom of the hole. After completing two up passes, the tool string was retrieved to the rig floor at 0315 h. Since the first two runs encountered no problems, we conducted a third run consisting of the triple combo tool string with the source in place. This tool string also reached the total depth of the hole, and the tool was back to the rig floor at 1150 h. Following rigging down from logging, we deployed the undersea vibration isolated television (VIT) camera to do a seafloor depth check at Hole U1456D in preparation for installing casing. While running to the seafloor with the VIT camera, the vessel was offset to 15 m south of the original site coordinates. After completing the depth check, the VIT camera was brought back to the surface and we began to pull out of the hole in preparation for casing operations at Hole U1456D.
Cores U1456C-28F to 36F (179.30–220.22 mbsf) were split and described. This interval is primarily comprised of sand, sandy silt, and silty sand, with some interbeds of clay. Drilling disturbance intensity is high in many of the sandy intervals. Cores U1456C-38X to 46X (408.0–463.8 mbsf) were also split and described. Core recovery over this interval was generally poor (average 38%); however, the recovered lithologies are primarily nannofossil-rich clay/claystone and nannofossil-rich silt/siltstone, with minor amounts of nannofossil ooze/chalk. With the exception of paleomagnetic examination of discrete samples, all other shipboard analyses are complete for Holes U1456A–U1456C. The laboratory groups have begun writing up the results from these holes.
Daily Science Report for 17 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456C (16°37.293959′N, 68°50.336604′E; water depth 3638.4 m)
Science Update: We cut and recovered Core U1456C-46X to a total depth of 465.2 mbsf, ending coring operations at Hole U1456C. We then began to condition the hole for logging by circulating a mud sweep and completing a wiper trip. After deploying the lockable float valve, we pumped another mud sweep and then displaced the hole with 171 bbl of 10.5 lb/gal heavy mud. We pulled the pipe up to logging depth, with the end of pipe positioned at 81.13 mbsf, and began to rig up for wireline logging. The first logging run consisted of the triple combo without the radioactive source. The tool string was run to the total depth of the hole without any problems. After completing the first logging run at 1740 h, we rigged up to run the second tool string (Formation MicroScanner [FMS]-sonic) and deployed it in the hole at 1810 h. The second logging run was underway at the end of the day.
Cores U1456C-13H to 27F (86.80–178.35 mbsf) were split and described. The upper part of the section is rich in calcareous nannofossils, alternating between nannofossil ooze and nannofossil-rich clay, with some coarser intervals containing silt and sand. Thick sand packages become more abundant downhole, interbedded with nannofossil-rich clay and clayey silt. Foraminifer biostratigraphy for the upper part of the hole demonstrates consistent ages in equivalent intervals between Holes U1456A and U1456C. The paleomagnetists are continuing to run discrete samples from Hole U1456C. In the Chemistry Laboratory, the final samples from Hole U1456A have been prepared for CHNS analysis.
Daily Science Report for 16 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456C (16°37.293959′N, 68°50.336604′E; water depth 3638.4 m)
Science Update: We continued drilling down to 408.0 mbsf, pumped a mud sweep to clean out the hole, and then retrieved the center bit. We then cut and recovered Cores U1456C-38X and 39X to a depth of 418.0 mbsf. At 0740 h, the driller was advised to begin pulling out of the hole due to the approach of an unknown vessel. At 0825 h, the driller was advised to stop pulling out of the hole and standby as the vessel started to move away. Normal operations resumed at 0845 h and the bit was tripped back to the bottom of the hole. We cut and recovered Cores 40X through 45X (418.0–463.3 mbsf) by the end of the day.
Cores U1456C-4H through 12H were split and described. Nannofossil ooze and nannofossil-rich clay are the predominant lithologies over this interval, with varying amounts of foraminifers, silt, and sand. Graded beds also occur in the deeper part of the interval. The paleomagnetists and physical properties specialists are measuring some discrete samples from Hole U1456C to fill in recovery gaps from Hole U1456A. The Geochemistry Laboratory is preparing to measure interstitial water ammonium concentrations.
Daily Science Report for 15 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456C (Final: 16°37.293959′N, 68°50.336604′E; water depth 3638.4 m)
Science Update: We cut and recovered Cores U1456A-25F through 36F (165.2–221.6 mbsf). We then decided to terminate coring and proceed with drilling ahead to ~408 mbsf, just above the total depth achieved in Hole U1456A. After dropping a center bit, we began drilling ahead, reaching a depth of 389.6 mbsf by the end of the day. In the laboratory, Cores U1456A-70F through 74X were split and described. The cores are predominantly calcareous-rich clay and claystone, becoming more indurated with depth. Large pyrite concretions are also present. Additional analysis of calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer assembalges confirm a late Pliocene age for the base of Hole U1456A. Cores U1456B-1H through 4H (0–29.03 mbsf), as well as Cores U1456C-1H through 3H (0–17.75 mbsf) were also split and described. The sediment in these cores is very similar to the uppermost part of Hole U1456A and predominantly consists of nannofossil ooze, nannofossil-rich clay, and graded coarser grained intervals.
Daily Science Report for 14 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456C (Preliminary: 16°37′N, 68°50′E; water depth 3638.4 m)
Science Update: Hole U1456C was spudded at 0050 h. Cores U1456C-1H through 13H were cut and recovered to a depth of 96.3 mbsf, with two intervals drilled ahead by 1.0 m as requested by the stratigraphic correlators. After Core 13H, we began circulating 30 bbl sea gel mud sweeps after every third core to help stabilize sandy intervals. Coring continued from Core U1456C-14H through 18H (96.3–137.0 mbsf). Since Core 18H was a partial stroke recovering only 2.72 m, we decided to switch to the HLAPC system. We advanced by recovery and then continued coring from Core U1456C-19F through 24F (137.0–165.2 mbsf) by the end of the day. Average core recovery for Cores 1H to 24F was 93.1%.
Cores U1456A-51F through 69F were split and described. The upper part of the interval is predominantly sand, with some intervals of clay with silt and nannofossil-rich clay. Fine-grained lithologies increase in abundance and thickness towards the bottom of the described interval and consist primarily of clay and clay with nannofossils. Drilling disturbance is high in many of the sections. Calcareous microfossil biostratigraphy indicates that the base of Hole U1456A is late Pliocene in age. Stratigraphic correlation began with Hole U1456B, and continues in Hole U1456C. Overall we have a good composite section through Core U1456C-17H, with intermittent ties in the sands below.
Daily Science Report for 13 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456B (16°37.285075′N, 68°50.345399′E; water depth 3645 m)
Science Update: We continued coring with the HLAPC from Core U1456A-69F to 70F (380.1–389.5 mbsf), at which point we decided to switch to the extended core barrel (XCB) coring system. We cut and recovered Cores U1456A-71X through 73X (389.5–417.0 mbsf) with good results (average recovery 92.7%). Upon retrieval of Core 74X to the rig floor, we discovered that the XCB cutting shoe had broken off in the hole, effectively ending Hole U1456A. After some discussion, we decided not to log Hole U1456A, and instead continue with the planned ~30 m dedicated microbiology hole (U1456B). We will then core Hole U1456C to ~250 mbsf, drill ahead to ~420 mbsf, and continue coring until at least 450 mbsf to confirm the casing depth for Hole U1456D. Upon completion of coring in Hole U1456C, we will rig up to log with the triple combo and FMS-sonic tool strings.
After the bit cleared the seafloor at 1805 h, we offset the ship 15 m east of the original site coordinates. Hole U1456B was spudded at 1955 h. The first core returned only 0.6 m of soupy sediment, so we decided to take three additional cores for microbiology sampling. Hole U1456B was cored to a total depth of 29.1 mbsf. At the end of the day, the vessel was preparing to offset 15 m north of the original site coordinates in preparation for Hole U1456C.
Cores U1456A-35F to 50F were split and described. Most of the described interval consists of soupy sand; however, a few cores also contain nannofossil-rich clay and clay with nannofossils, as well as graded silt and clay beds. Sediment near the base of Hole U1456A is late Pliocene to early Pleistocene in age based on calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy. Paleomagnetic results for the upper 100 mbsf are consistent with the nannofossil and foraminifer biostratigraphy; measurements below that depth are ongoing. The geochemists have begun CHNS analysis on sediment samples, and the interstitial water samples are being analyzed for cation and anion content.
Daily Science Report for 12 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456A (16°37.285526′N, 68°50.332720′E; water depth 3638 m)
Science Update: Due to the continued good hole conditions and generally good recovery, we decided to deepen Hole U1456A to ~600 mbsf or until a good casing point was reached. We continuously cored with the HLAPC from Core U1456A-45F through 68F (267.3–319.0 mbsf). Core recovery over this interval varied from 19% to 109% (average 75.4%). Cores U1456A-15H through 34F (128.0–223.39 mbsf) were split and described. There is a distinct change in lithology between Core 15H and 17F, with finer grained, nannofossil-rich clay above to abundant coarser grained material (sand, silty sand, and silt with clay) below. Beds of nannofossil-rich clay and silt are intercalated with the sand, which is often soupy and highly disturbed by the coring process. Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy indicates an early Pleistocene age for Core 68F.
Daily Science Report for 11 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456A (Final: 16°37.285526′N, 68°50.332720′E; water depth 3638 m)
Science Update: We continuously cored with the HLAPC from Core U1456A-21F through 44F (158.10–267.30 mbsf), with generally very good core recovery (average 96.3%). We originally planned to APC Hole U1456A to a total depth of 250 mbsf; however, we decided to continue coring to at least 300 mbsf because of the good hole conditions and good recovery. Cores U1456A-6H through 14H (118.5–124.58 mbsf) were split and described. The sediment primarily consists of nannofossil ooze with clay, clay with nannofossils, and graded sand and silt layers. Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy indicates an early Pleistocene age for Core 38F. Paleomagnetic measurements through Core 9H show normal polarity interpreted as the Brunhes Chron, consistent with nannofossil and foraminifer biostratigraphy. Discrete measurements for paleomagnetics, physical properties, and porewater and sediment geochemistry are ongoing.
Daily Science Report for 10 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456A (IND-03C; preliminary: 16°37.29′N, 68°50.34′E; water depth 3638 m)
Science Update: We spudded Hole U1456A at 0210 h, with the first core arriving on deck at 0235 h. We continued to core using the advanced piston corer (APC) with nonmagnetic core barrels and orientation through Core U1456A-16H to a depth of 139.3 m below seafloor (mbsf). We deployed the advanced piston corer temperature tool (APCT-3) on cores 4H (33.0 mbsf), 7H (61.5 mbsf), 10H (90 mbsf), and 13H (118.5 mbsf). The temperature measurement failed on Core 4H when the shoe flooded, but the remaining temperature measurements were good. Recovery of Core 14H required an additional hour due to a stuck core barrel. Core 16H recovered only a small amount of sand in the core catcher, so we switched to the half length advanced piston corer (HLAPC) and cored 17F through 20F to a depth of 158.1 mbsf by the end of the day. Cores U1456A-1H through 5H were split and described. The sediment primarily consists of nannofossil ooze with varying amounts of foraminifers, clay, and silt, with rare sandy intervals. Calcareous nannofossil and foraminifer biostratigraphy indicate a Middle Pleistocene age for Core 14H.
Daily Science Report for 9 April 2015
Location: Hole U1456A (IND-03C, preliminary: 16°37.29′N, 68°50.34′E; water depth 3638 m)
Science Update: We arrived at Site U1456 at 1054 h, deploying the positioning beacon shortly thereafter. We then picked up the drill collars and made up the bottom-hole assembly, and then started tripping pipe toward the seafloor. During the trip, the pipe was drifted (checked to ensure the interior is clear) and strapped (measured). At the end of the day, we were picking up the top drive and knobbies in preparation for coring. During the day, the scientists received Sample Master training from the Curator. The Staff Scientist held a smear slide preparation tutorial for interested scientists and technical staff on the night shift. At crossover, the science party met for an introduction to stratigraphic correlation and IODP depth scales by the lead stratigraphic correlator and Staff Scientist, followed by an introduction to the Site U1456 scientific objectives by the Co-Chiefs. The day shift sedimentologists received training on how to run the Section Half Imaging Logger (SHIL) and Section Half Multisensor Logger (SHMSL). The scientists also continued to review procedures in their individual laboratories as final preparation for the first core.
Daily Science Report for 8 April 2015
Location: In transit to Site U1456 (IND-03C)
Science Update: The Operations Superintendent took the other half of the science party on a ship tour in the morning. This was followed by an introduction to the tectonics of the western continental margin of India by one of the Co-Chiefs. Afterwards, the sedimentologists met with the technical staff, Co-Chiefs, and Staff Scientist to converge on a template for the visual core description (VCD) sheets. In the afternoon, the Operations Superintendent held a pre-spud meeting with the expedition management team (Co-Chiefs, Laboratory Officer, and Staff Scientist), Curator, lead technical staff, and the Offshore Installation Manager, drillers, and Captain to review the operations plan for the first site. The Staff Scientist also held a smear slide preparation tutorial for interested scientists and technical staff in the afternoon. Scientists turned in first drafts of the Methods sections for each laboratory group.
Daily Science Report for 7 April 2015
Location: In transit to Site U1456 (IND-03C)
Science Update: The scientists continued to work in laboratory groups to finalize a first draft of each Methods section. The Imaging Specialist provided photomicroscopy training to the paleontologists and sedimentologists, demonstrating how to take images of specimens under the microscope and upload those images to the shipboard database. The Co-Chiefs gave an introduction of the expedition scientific objectives to interested crew and IODP technical staff. Afterwards, the science party met for an update on projected arrival at the first site, followed by a presentation by the Curator over IODP sample policy and shipboard and shorebased sampling procedures. In the afternoon, the Operations Superintendent led an extensive ship tour for half of the science party.
Daily Science Report for 6 April 2015
Location: In transit to Site U1456 (IND-03C)
Science Update: We began the day with one of the Co-Chiefs giving an introduction to the history of the Indus Fan to the science party. Afterwards, the scientists continued working in laboratory groups to finalize their methods. The downhole measurement scientists met with the Schlumberger Logging Engineer to discuss the proposed logging plan for each site. The Sample Allocation Committee (Co-Chiefs, Staff Scientist, and Curator) continued meeting with individual groups of scientists to finalize a shipboard sampling plan and to identify overlaps in proposed post-expedition research. In the afternoon, the physical property specialists and stratigraphic correlators met with the technical staff and Staff Scientist to discuss measurement spacing on the whole round tracks to facilitate stratigraphic correlation. We ended the day with the Staff Scientist giving a short introduction to shipboard education and outreach activities, including posts to social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), blogging, and planned ship-to-shore events. Scientists began to move on to their assigned shifts in the evening.
Daily Science Report for 5 April 2015
Location: In transit to Site U1456 (IND-03C)
Science Update: The scientists continued to work in their laboratory groups throughout the day, preparing methods sections and learning how to use the laboratory equipment. The Staff Scientist explained expedition report guidelines in greater detail and showed the scientists where to find various report writing resources. The stratigraphic correlators met with the IODP technical staff to begin preparing for stratigraphic correlation during the expedition. We departed Colombo at 2130 h, beginning our 3.5 d transit to Site U1456 (proposed Site IND-03C).
Daily Science Report for 4 April 2015
Location: Bandaranaike West Quay, Colombo Harbor, Sri Lanka
Science Update: The Staff Scientist started the day by giving the scientists a brief introduction to the different coring systems and coring nomenclature used on the JOIDES Resolution. The scientists then divided into laboratory groups to continue learning laboratory methods. The core describers and paleontologists received hands on training on DESClogik, which was followed by an introduction to the paleontology prep laboratory and microscope set up for the paleontologists. The scientists were given the afternoon off to complete any last minute shopping. At the end of the day, the scientists gathered at a local restaurant for a final dinner on land before our departure.
Daily Science Report for 3 April 2015
Location: Bandaranaike West Quay, Colombo Harbor, Sri Lanka
Science Update: We began the day with a research planning meeting. Each scientist presented a brief summary of his or her post-expedition research objectives and proposed a sampling plan to meet those objectives. The Co-Chief Scientists, Staff Scientist, and Curator then met to review those plans. The science party divided into laboratory groups, with the sedimentologists and paleontologists receiving an introduction to DESClogik. The physical properties specialists, paleomagnetists, and geochemists/microbiologist each met with the IODP technicians in their respective laboratories for an introduction to laboratory equipment and methods. After lunch, the Captain welcomed the scientists to the ship and provided an introduction to policies and procedures aboard the JOIDES Resolution. The Ship’s Doctor then conducted a shipboard safety meeting, which was followed by a ship and laboratory safety tour led by the Laboratory Officer and two of the technical staff.
Daily Science Report for 2 April 2015
Location: Bandaranaike West Quay, Colombo Harbor, Sri Lanka
Science Update: We began the day with a meet and greet for the scientists and IODP technical staff, followed by a presentation by the Staff Scientist about what we are going to do and how we are going to do it. The Marine Computer Specialist then gave the scientists an introduction to IT and computing aboard the JOIDES Resolution. The scientists divided into two groups, with one group completing a core flow laboratory tour with the Staff Scientist, while the other half attempted to get personal laptops set up on the shipboard network. After lunch, the Imaging Specialist took photographs of each science party member. We ended the day with a core flow laboratory tour for the second half of the science party, while the others completed computer setup.
Daily Science Report for 1 April 2015
Location: Bandaranaike West Quay, Colombo Harbor, Sri Lanka
Science Update: Siem Offshore completed crew change in the morning. The ship was then moved to a new berth in the early afternoon. The Staff Scientist, Co-Chiefs, and science party boarded the vessel at ~1530 h and then spent approximately 1 h getting settled into berths. At 1630 h, the science party convened for a brief welcome and presentation about life on board the vessel, followed by a short tour of the ship to help the scientists find their way around. After dinner, the Co-Chiefs presented the expedition scientific objectives to the science party.
Daily Science Report for 31 March 2015
Location: JCT Feeder Berth, Colombo Harbor, Sri Lanka
Science Update: Expedition 355 (Arabian Sea Monsoon) began with the first line ashore at 0842 h. Clearing offgoing Expedition 354 scientists and technical staff through customs and immigration took a significant amount of time, with the final group departing the vessel at ~2300 h and arriving at the hotel at 0200 h on 1 April. Oncoming technical staff boarded the vessel in two groups, with the final group arriving late in the day. IODP JRSO technical staff completed an abbreviated crossover as a result of these delays. The oncoming technical staff then began preparations for the upcoming expedition. The Staff Scientist and Co-Chief Scientists, who were originally scheduled to board the vessel with the IODP technical staff, ended up staying on shore for the night given the difficulties encountered with customs and immigration.