IODP Expedition 363

Western Pacific Warm Pool

Daily Science Report for 31 October 2016

Location: In transit to Site U1484 (proposed Site WP-71A)

Science Update: We continued the transit to Site U1484 (proposed Site WP-71A), with an estimated arrival time of 1200 h on 7 November. The clock advanced 1 h at 0100 h and again at 1300 h so that the ship is now in the same time zone as Guam (UTC + 10 h) and will remain so for the rest of the expedition. After discussion with the Co-Chief Scientists, we also decided to core at proposed Site WP-71A before WP-72A.

Cores U1483C-9H through 24H were split and described. The principal lithologies over this interval are primarily greenish gray nannofossil ooze, nannofossil clay, and diatom and nannofossil ooze. Foraminifers and clay are present throughout in varying amounts. Bioturbation is moderate to heavy. Several discrete ash layers occur throughout the described section. Soft sediment deformation features are observed in the bottom part of the interval and calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer biostratigraphy suggests that some missing time is associated with the soft sediment deformation. The scientists also met for a Site U1483 science review meeting.

Daily Science Report for 30 October 2016

Location:
Hole U1483C (13°5.2479′S, 121°48.2537′E, water depth 1731 mbsl; proposed Site WP-11B)
In transit to Site U1484 (proposed Site WP-72A)

Science Update: Oriented APC coring continued from 256.3 to 275.3 mbsf (Cores U1483C-30H to 31H). After recovering the final core of the site, we tripped the pipe back up to the vessel, clearing the seafloor at 0245 h and the rig floor at 0740 h. We then secured the rig for transit and began the sea voyage to Site U1484 (proposed Site WP-72A) at 0800 h. Average recovery for Hole U1483C was 104%.

Cores U1483B-23H through 31H were split and described. This interval is primarily composed of greenish gray clay-bearing to clay-rich nannofossil ooze, with foraminifers becoming more abundant towards the bottom of the hole. Some intervals are disrupted by soft sediment deformation. The sediment is moderately to heavily bioturbated. A discrete ash layer is also found near the bottom of the hole. Cores U1483C-1H through 8H were also split and described. The lithologies correlate well with those found in the top part of Holes U1483A and U1483B. The principal lithology is nannfossil ooze, with varying proportions of clay and foraminifers. Diatoms are also abundant in some intervals, together with other siliceous microfossils including radiolarians and sponge spicules. Several discrete ash layers are also found in this interval of the hole. Stratigraphic correlation indicates that we have a complete stratigraphic section down to ~190 mbsf for Site U1483. An integrated age model that is based on nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer biostratigraphy, as well as magnetostatigraphy, indicates a constant sedimentation rate of ~10 cm/ky at this site.

Daily Science Report for 29 October 2016

Location:
Hole U1483B (13°5.2371′S, 121°48.2538′E, water depth 1734 mbsl; proposed Site WP-11B)
Hole U1483C (13°5.2479′S, 121°48.2537′E, water depth 1731 mbsl; proposed Site WP-11B)

Science Update: Oriented APC coring continued to a depth of 287.0 mbsf (Core U1483A-31H). Overall recovery in Hole U1483B averaged 105%. We then pulled the drill string out of the hole and offset the vessel 20 m south of Hole U1483B. Hole U1483C was spudded at 0330 h. Core U1483C-1H recovered 6.33 m of sediment, establishing a seafloor depth of 1731.2 mbsl. Oriented APC coring proceeded to a depth of 256.3 mbsf (Core U1483C-29H), with one 3 m drilled interval to offset core gaps for stratigraphic correlation. Core recovery averaged 103%.

Cores U1483B-5H through 22H were split and described. The upper part of the described interval is primarily greenish gray to light greenish gray clay-rich nannofossil ooze to foraminifer-rich nannofossil clay or nannofossil ooze. Pteropod fragments are also common over this interval. In the lower part of the described interval, siliceous microfossils are more abundant and the main lithologies are clay-rich or foraminifer-bearing diatom and nannofossil ooze to clay- and diatom-bearing foraminifer and nannofossil ooze. The color variations are quite pronounced. Bioturbation is moderate to heavy, with higher bioturbation intensity associated with darker lithologies. Two discrete ash layers also occur within the described section.

Daily Science Report for 28 October 2016

Location:
Hole U1483A (13°5.2382′S, 121°48.2424′E, water depth 1733 mbsl; proposed Site WP-11B)
Hole U1483B (13°5.2371′S, 121°48.2538′E, water depth 1734 mbsl; proposed Site WP-11B)

Science Update: We pulled the drill string out of Hole U1483A, clearing the seafloor at 0050 h, and then offset the vessel 20 m to the east. We started Hole U1483B at 0200 h. Core U1483B-1H recovered 2.05 m of sediment, establishing a seafloor depth of 1734.0 mbsl. Oriented APC coring continued to 277.5 mbsf (Core 30H) by the end of the day.

Cores U1483A-17H through 31H were split and described. There is a lot of lithologic variation downcore. Sediment color is mostly shades of greenish gray, with lighter and darker cycles and intermittent intervals that are brownish. Lithologies include nannofossil ooze, nannofossil clay, foraminifer-bearing nannofossil-rich clay, nannofossil-bearing foraminifer ooze, and nannofossil-rich foraminifer clay. Siliceous microfossils (radiolarians and diatoms) occur throughout much of the section. Discrete ash layers are also sporadically present. The cores are moderately to heavily bioturbated. The weight percent calcium carbonate varies between ~40% and 70% in the upper part of Hole U1483A, reflecting variations between biogenic-dominated sediments to clay-dominated sediments. Cores U1483B-1H through 4H were also split and described. The uppermost 20 cm of the hole is grayish brown foraminifer-bearing nannofossil-rich clay, grading into greenish gray foraminifer-rich nannofossil ooze over the remainder of the described interval. Diatoms, radiolarians, and sponge spicules are common in the uppermost core, but are rarer below. Pteropod fragments and occasional glauconite patches are also present. The sediments at the top of Hole U1483B correlate well with the top of Hole U1483A.

Daily Science Report for 27 October 2016

Location: Hole U1483A (13°5.2382′S, 121°48.2424′E, water depth 1733 mbsl; proposed Site WP-11B)

Science Update: Oriented APC coring proceeded from 103.6 to 246.1 mbsf (Cores U1483A-13H to 26H). We collected the final downhole temperature measurement with the APCT-3 tool on Core 13H (107.4 mbsf). While retrieving Core 26H, the core line parted, leaving the core at the bottom of the drill string. We prepared a tool to fish the remaining core line and core barrel out of the hole. The spear snagged the core line on the first attempt; however, the core fell back down before it could be retrieved at the surface. The second fishing attempt successfully retrieved Core 26H. Oriented APC coring then continued to 293.3 mbsf (Core 31H), where we encountered APC refusal, ending Hole U1483A. Core 31H had to be pumped out of the core barrel. At the end of the day we were preparing to pull the drill string to the seafloor to offset and spud Hole U1483B.

Cores U1483A-5H through 16H were split and described. The sediment is primarily greenish gray clay-rich nannofossil ooze, although some intervals are diatom-bearing to diatom-rich, especially in the lower part of the described section. This interval also contains both discrete ash layers and dispersed ash mixed in with the sediment. Foraminifers become more common towards the bottom of the described interval. Bioturbation is moderate to heavy throughout. The natural remanent magnetization is stronger at this site compared with Site U1482, allowing identification of normal and reversed polarity intervals that correlate well with the biostratigraphic datums. The age at the bottom of Hole U1483A is mid-Pliocene.

Daily Science Report for 26 October 2016

Location:
In transit to Site U1483 (proposed Site WP-11B)
Hole U1483A (13°5.2382′S, 121°48.2424′E, water depth 1733 mbsl; proposed Site WP-11B)

Science Update: We arrived at Site U1483 at 0630 h and the vessel was switched to dynamic positioning mode. After deploying the positioning beacon at 0650 h, the bottom-hole assembly (BHA) was prepared and spaced out, and then we began the pipe trip toward the seafloor. Hole U1483A was spudded at 1250 h, recovering 8.63 m of sediment and establishing a seafloor depth of 1732.9 mbsl. Oriented APC coring with nonmagnetic core barrels proceeded to 103.6 mbsf (Core U1483A-12H) by the end of the day. We collected downhole temperature measurements using the APCT-3 tool on Cores 4H (27.6 mbsf), 7H (56.1 mbsf), and 10H (84.6 mbsf).

Cores U1483A-1H through 4H were split and described. The uppermost part of the first core (mudline) consists of light brown to dark gray nannofossil-rich clay with sponge spicules and diatoms. Below, the sediment is greenish gray clay-rich nannofossil ooze, with foraminifers more abundant in some intervals. Ash is also present as both discrete layers and dispersed in the sediment. Calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifers show excellent preservation and indicate an early Pleistocene age for the bottom of the hole.

Daily Science Report for 25 October 2016

Location:
Hole U1482D (15°3.3305′S, 120°26.2920′E, water depth 1466 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)
In transit to Site U1483 (proposed Site WP-11B)

Science Update: After offsetting the vessel 20 m at 150° to Hole U1482A, we spudded Hole U1482D at 0055 h. Core U1482D-1H recovered 4.41 m of sediment, establishing a seafloor depth of 1466.1 mbsl. We then drilled without coring to 137 mbsf and began APC coring to fill gaps in the composite section. Coring proceeded slowly so that the stratigraphic correlators could view data for each core and make necessary adjustments to ensure core gaps were filled. Cores U1482D-3H through 10H penetrated to 213.0 mbsf and successfully recovered cores across the three targeted core gaps. After coring finished, the bottom-hole assembly was tripped to the rig floor, the positioning beacon was recovered, and the vessel was secured for transit at 1745 h. At the end of the day we were underway at full speed for Site U1483 (proposed Site WP-11B), with an estimated time of arrival of 0700 h on 26 October.

Cores U1482C-48X to 60X were split and described. The primary lithology is light greenish gray nannofossil chalk. The sediment is moderately bioturbated. All cores are biscuited as a result of the XCB coring process. Cores U1482D-1H through 10H were also split and described. The mudline core includes 12 cm of oxidized sediment at the top, changing to light greenish gray foraminifer-bearing clay-rich nannofossil ooze with common pteropod fragments. The interval cored to fill the core gaps is primarily light greenish gray to greenish gray clay-bearing or clay-rich nannofossil ooze. Some intervals have moderate amounts of foraminifers. The sediment is moderately bioturbated and includes sulfide patches. The upper part of the interval includes deformed beds characteristic of slumped material. We also held a Site U1482 initial science review meeting to discuss results. The scientists have also began working on the site report.

Daily Science Report for 24 October 2016

Location: Hole U1482C (15°3.3298′S, 120°26.1135′E, water depth 1465 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: The pipe was set at 85.6 mbsf for logging. After a safety meeting, we prepared the triple combo logging string, which measures natural gamma radiation, porosity, density, resistivity, and magnetic susceptibility, as well as borehole diameter using a caliper. The triple combo was lowered into the drill string at 0443 h and was able to pass to just a few meters off of the bottom of the hole at 534.1 mbsf. After a successful upward logging pass, the tool string was returned to the rigfloor and rigged down by 1230 h. The Formation MicroScanner (FMS)-sonic tool string was then prepared and lowered into the hole at 1355 h. This tool string also measures natural gamma radiation (for depth matching between logging runs), as well as acoustic velocity and resistivity images of the borehole wall. After completing two upward passes so that the FMS had a chance to provide increased imaging coverage of the borehole wall, the tool was returned to the rig floor at 2100 h. After rigging down from logging, the drill string was pulled clear of the seafloor at 2300 h, ending Hole U1482C. At the end of the day we were preparing to offset the vessel 20 m at 150° from Hole U1482A to start Hole U1482D. We plan to core Hole U1482D between ~137 and 215 mbsf to cover gaps in the stratigraphic splice.

Cores U1482C-28H to 47X were split and described. The upper portion of the described interval is primarily greenish gray to light greenish gray clay-rich nannofossil ooze. Some intervals also have significant numbers of foraminifers. Sulfides and pyrite are common throughout. The lower part of the described interval is light greenish gray nannofossil chalk, with varying proportions of clay and foraminifers. The described interval is moderately to heavily bioturbated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that a concretion found in association with the sulfate/methane transition zone (SMTZ) of Hole U1482A is composed of carbonate and barite.

Daily Science Report for 23 October 2016

Location: Hole U1482C (15°3.3298′S, 120°26.1135′E, water depth 1465 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: We had approval to core to 490 mbsf at Site U1482; however, the age at this depth proved to be several million years younger than anticipated due to higher sedimentation rates. As a result, we requested and received approval to core to 800 mbsf. Therefore, coring with the XCB continued in Hole U1482C from 447.9 to 534.1 mbsf (Cores U1482C-51X through 60X). Unfortunately, microfossil preservation deteriorated significantly below 500 mbsf. After several consecutive core catcher samples contained recrystallized and infilled foraminifers, we opted to terminate coring in Hole U1482C and instead prepare for downhole logging. We pumped a 50 bbl mud sweep and locked open the lockable float valve. At the end of the day we were pulling the pipe up to logging depth (~85 mbsf).

Cores U1482C-8H through 27H were split and described. The main lithology is primarily light greenish gray to greenish gray clay-rich foraminifer-bearing nannofossil ooze. The cores are moderately bioturbated and pteropod shells fragments are common on the split core face in the upper part of the described interval. Below Core U1482C-13H, sulfides become common and the abundance of foraminifers decreases. Calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer biostratigraphy indicate an early late Miocene age for the base of Hole U1482C.

Daily Science Report for 22 October 2016

Location: Hole U1482C (15°3.3298′S, 120°26.1135′E, water depth 1465 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: Coring with the APC continued from 259.4 to 335.4 mbsf (Cores U1482C-30H to 37H), with core recovery over this interval averaging 108%. After a 4.5 m drilled interval, we switched to the XCB and continued coring to a depth of 447.9 mbsf (Cores 39X through 50X). Core recovery of the XCB interval averaged 100%. Stratigraphic correlation indicates that we have a nearly complete composite section to at least 300 mbsf, with only one tenuous tie over that interval.

Cores U1482B-30H through 45F were split and described. The main lithology alternates between different shades of light greenish gray clay-rich nannofossil ooze. Clay is less abundant in the lightest colored sediments. The cores are moderately bioturbated, and sulfide specks and patches are present throughout the interval. Cores U1482C-1H through 7H were also split and described. The lithology is primarily greenish gray to light greenish gray clay-rich nannofossil ooze. Foraminifers are relatively abundant in some intervals and pteropod fragments are visible on the split core face. The paleontologists continue to refine the age model for the site, especially over the top ~100 mbsf, which appears to include some intervals of reworked microfossils.

Daily Science Report for 21 October 2016

Location: Hole U1482C (15°3.3298′S, 120°26.1135′E, water depth 1465 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: The day began with slipping and cutting 115 ft of drill line and completing additional service to the rig. We then spudded Hole U1482C at 0440 h with the APC coring assembly using nonmagnetic core barrels and orientation. Core U1482C-1H recovered 9.43 m of sediment, establishing a water depth of 1465.2 mbsl. To ensure that we bridged all core gaps between the upper five cores of Holes U1482A and U1482B, stratigraphic correlation of each core was completed before shooting the next core. After a 2.5 m advance without coring, APC coring proceeded without having to wait for correlation to a depth of 259.4 mbsf (Core 29H) by the end of the day. Two additional 5 m intervals were drilled without coring to offset core gaps. Core recovery over Cores 1H through 29H averaged 104%.

Cores U1482B-10H through 29H were split and described. The sediment is primarily light greenish gray to greenish gray clay-rich foraminifer-bearing nannofossil ooze, with some intervals with only trace amounts of clay. The sediment is moderately bioturbated and Skolithos trace fossils become more common in the lower part of the described interval. Sulfide patches are present below Core 13H. Calcium carbonate (wt%) is higher in the lower part of the overall stratigraphic section at Site U1482. A comparison of the calcium carbonate data with the L* data for Hole U1482A shows a nice correlation between lighter L* values and higher weight percent carbonate.

Daily Science Report for 20 October 2016

Location: Hole U1482B (15°3.3142′S, 120°26.0988′E, water depth 1465 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: Oriented APC coring in Hole U1482B continued from 58.1 to 343.6 mbsf (Cores U1482B-8H through 39H). After a partial stroke on Core 39H, we switched to the HLAPC coring system. To avoid core gaps aligning due to the shorter cores collected with the HLAPC, we drilled ahead without coring 3.0 m (drilled interval U1482B-401) before continuing to core to 366.97 mbsf (Core 45F). We decided to terminate Hole U1482B at that depth to spud Hole U1482C at high tide, similar to the tidal phase for the start of Hole U1482A. Core recovery from Cores 8H to 45X averaged 105%. At the end of the day the bit had cleared the seafloor and we were preparing to offset the vessel to spud Hole U1482C.

Cores U1482A-50X through 58X were split and described. The sediment consists of alternations of lighter and darker greenish gray clay-rich nannofossil ooze and clay-rich chalk. Some intervals are also rich in foraminifers. The sediments are moderately bioturbated throughout. There are also discrete layers of foraminifers that appear to have been transported by currents. Biostratigraphy indicates that these layers are reworked from older material dated to the early Miocene. Cores U1482B-1H through 9H were also split and described. The upper few centimeters of the hole consist of pink to very pale brown sediment that contains radiolarian tests. The rest of the described interval is primarily light gray to light greenish gray foraminifer-bearing nannofossil ooze, with some intervals richer in foraminifers. A small amount of clay is present in the uppermost core. The sediment is slightly to moderately bioturbated. A preliminary age model for Site U1482 suggests that there is a change in sedimentation rate in the late Miocene.

Daily Science Report for 19 October 2016

Location:
Hole U1482A (15°3.3227′S, 120°26.1049′E, water depth 1468 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)
Hole U1482B (15°3.3142′S, 120°26.0988′E, water depth 1465 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: XCB coring penetrated to a total depth of 490 mbsf (Core U1482A-57H) and averaged 104% recovery over Cores 53X through 57X. We then pulled out of the hole and offset the vessel 20 m to the northwest of Hole U1482A. Hole U1482B was spudded at 1905 h with the APC using nonmagnetic core barrels and orientation. Core U1482B-1H recovered 6.13 m of core, establishing a seafloor depth of 1464.5 mbsl. APC coring continued through Core 5H (44.1 mbsf) when the stratigraphic correlators noted that core gaps had become aligned, despite a 3 m difference in the length of the mudline core between Holes U1482A and U1482B. Later analysis indicated that the 4 m tidal range at this location was the likely culprit behind this alignment. To offset the core gaps, we drilled ahead 4.5 m without coring (drilled interval U1482B-61) before continuing APC coring. By the end of the day, coring had penetrated to 58.1 mbsf (Core 7H), with 104% recovery.

Cores U1482A-29H through 49X were split and described. Throughout much of the interval the sediment is composed of light greenish gray nannofossil ooze, with varying proportions of clay and foraminifers that create lighter and darker color alternations. Most cores are moderately bioturbated and pyrite is common throughout much of the interval. Carbonate measurements range between ~35% and 85% in the upper 200 m of Hole U1482A. Calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer biostratigraphy indicate a late Miocene age for the base of Hole U1482A.

Daily Science Report for 18 October 2016

Location: Hole U1482A (15°3.3227′S, 120°26.1049′E, water depth 1468 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: Oriented APC coring continued to 344.9 mbsf (Core U1482-37H), with average recovery of 104% over Cores 34H to 37H. After a partial stroke and shattered liner on Core 37H, we switched to the half-length APC (HLAPC) and Cores 38F to 45F penetrated to 380.2 mbsf (average recovery 104%). The core liner of Core 45F shattered while extracting it from the core barrel, so we then switched to the extended core barrel (XCB) coring system. XCB coring continued to 439.7 mbsf (Core 52X) by the end of the day, with average recovery of 97% from Cores 46X to 52X.

Cores U1482A-13H to 28H were split and described. The sediment is primarily light greenish gray nannofossil ooze with varying proportions of foraminifers in the upper part and clay in the lower part of the interval. The sediment is moderately bioturbated, with darker burrow mottles and the presence of Skolithos. Discrete patches of sulfide are present in the upper portion of the described interval, changing to pyrite deeper in the section. Decimeter-scale color changes are also present throughout much of the described interval. Magnetic susceptibility is very low in these biogenic sediments; despite this, a magnetostratigraphy is discernible down through at least the Matuyama. Nannofossil and planktonic foraminifer biostratigraphy indicate an upper Miocene age for Core 52X.

Daily Science Report for 17 October 2016

Location: Hole U1482A (15°3.3227′S, 120°26.1049′E, water depth 1468 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: Hole U1482A was spudded at 0035 h, recovering 2.98 m of core and establishing a seafloor depth of 1467.7 m below sea level (mbsl). Oriented coring using nonmagnetic core barrels with the advanced piston corer (APC) penetrated to 297.4 m below seafloor (mbsf; Core U1482A-33H) by the end of the day. Formation temperature measurements were taken on Cores 4H (31.4 mbsf), 7H (59.9 mbsf), 10H (88.4 mbsf), and 13H (116.9 mbsf). Core recovery was excellent, averaging 104%. Cores 1H through 12H were split and described. The sediment is primarily light gray to light greenish gray foraminifer-rich nannofossil ooze, with moderate to heavy bioturbation and pteropods visible on the split core face. Microfossils show very good to excellent preservation. Calcareous nannofossil and foraminifer biostratigraphy indicate a late Miocene age for Core 31H.

Daily Science Report for 16 October 2016

Location: Hole U1482A (15°3.3227′S, 120°26.1049′E, water depth 1468 mbsl; proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: We arrived at Site U1482 and switched to dynamic positioning at 1524 h, deploying the positioning beacon a short time later. We then picked up drill collars and made up the bottom-hole assembly, and started tripping pipe toward the seafloor. During the trip, the pipe was drifted (checked to ensure that the interior was clear) and strapped (measured). By the end of the day we had picked up the top drive and knobbies, dressed the core barrels, and we were spacing out the drill string for the initiation of coring operations. Throughout the day, scientists worked to finalize laboratory procedures. The technical staff conducted scanning electron microscope training for the micropaleontologists and core describers. The Curator also demonstrated shipboard sampling procedures and entry of sample data into Sample Master. The Co-Chief Scientists gave two (morning and afternoon) introductions to the expedition scientific objectives to interested technical staff and crew. The Operations Superintendent held a pre-spud meeting with the Expedition Project Management team (Co-Chief Scientists, Laboratory Officer, and Staff Scientist), lead technical staff, Offshore Installation Manager, drillers, and the Captain to review the operations plan for Sites U1482 (proposed Site WP-12D) and U1483 (proposed Site WP-11B).

Daily Science Report for 15 October 2016

Location: In transit to Site U1482 (WP-12D)

Science Update: The scientists continued working on laboratory procedures and revising Methods. The sedimentologists described legacy cores from Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 62 and Ocean Drilling Program Site 806 to practice on similar sediments and work towards generating consistent observations. At noon, the Co-Chief Scientists gave the science party an introduction to Sites U1482 (proposed Site WP-12D) and U1483 (proposed Site WP-11B). The Operations Superintendent gave ship tours in the morning and afternoon to the other half of the science party. Our new arrival time at Site U1482 is 1530 h on 16 October.

Daily Science Report for 14 October 2016

Location: In transit to Site U1482 (WP-12D)

Science Update: The scientists continued to prepare draft Methods sections to turn in by the end of the day. The Imaging Specialist met with the night shift micropaleontologists in the morning to demonstrate the image capture system for the microscopes. At noon, one of the Co-Chief Scientists presented a talk on the late Miocene reorganization of the climate-carbon system. The Operations Superintendent gave ship tours in the morning and afternoon to half of the science party. Our new arrival time at Site U1482 is estimated at 1800 h on 16 October.

Daily Science Report for 13 October 2016

Location: In transit to Site U1482 (proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: The scientists spent most of the day working on laboratory procedures and writing Methods sections while transitioning onto their work shifts. The Imaging Specialist met with the day shift micropaleontologists in the afternoon to demonstrate the image capture system for the microscopes. The Staff Scientist also met briefly with each shift to provide updates and explain the procedure for submitting reports. Our estimated arrival time at Site U1482 is 0000 h on 17 October.

Daily Science Report for 12 October 2016

Location: In transit to Site U1482 (proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: The Curator gave a presentation to the scientists covering shipboard sampling, IODP sampling policy, shipboard residues, and preliminary information about the postcruise sampling party. Following this presentation, the science party discussed shipboard samples and reached consensus on sampling resolution for track measurements and discrete shipboard sampling. The Operations Superintendent then gave a presentation on the drilling and coring operations for the expedition. After lunch, two scientists presented their research covering the South Pacific Convergence Zone and its influence on the Indonesian Throughflow region, as well as the history of Quaternary reef construction and its relationship to carbonate production and global environmental change. The scientists spent the remainder of the day working on Methods in laboratory groups and began to move onto shifts in the evening.

Daily Science Report for 11 October 2016

Location: In transit to Site U1482 (proposed Site WP-12D)

Science Update: We departed Singapore at 0705 h, beginning our ~6 d transit to Site U1482 (proposed Site WP-12D) off northwestern Australia. The scientists continued to work in laboratory groups following departure. The Education and Outreach team, which consists of an educator from Australia and a filmmaker from the United States, presented their plans for the expedition to the science party. The Staff Scientist then gave a brief presentation on outreach best practices and encouraged interested scientists to participate through blogging and posts to social media. After lunch, the Staff Scientist and Publications Specialist gave an introduction to shipboard reports, concentrating specifically on requirements and formatting. This was followed by an overview of the tectonic setting of the Western Pacific Warm Pool region. The day concluded with the scientists beginning to work on Methods sections.