From time to time we’ll combine or alternate between Ron’s reports and the science updates I send to shore.  There’s so much science and so little time…   Remember that we post all official reports on the IODP United States Implementing Organization website where you can always access more detail.  Got questions?  Send them!  We’ll do our best to post the answers in a timely manner.

Here’s a science summary for the last couple of days.    — Adam

DATE:  23 March

LOCATION: Site U1332 (PEAT? 2C). 11º 54.70N, 141º 2.74W

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1332A? 1H to 10H penetrated from 0 to 89.5 mbsf and recovered 94.6 m. Cores 1H to 4H comprise surficial clay (Quaternary) and then alternating radiolarian and nannofossil ooze with increasing amounts of nannofossil ooze downcore (Miocene to Oligocene).

Challenge:  Calculate the % recovery for cores 1H to 10H.  Send your answers through the Comment function below.

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DATE:  24 March

LOCATION:  Site Site U1332 (PEAT? 2C). 11º 54.70N, 141º 2.74W

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1332A-11H to 14H penetrated from 89.4 to 125.9 mbsf; recovered 37.2 m. Cores 15X to 18X penetrated from 125.9 to 152.4 m; recovered 13.8 m.  Cores 5H to 12H comprise nannofossil and radiolarian oozes with varying amounts of clay and diatoms (late Eocene to early Oligocene).

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DATE:  25 March

LOCATION:  Site U1332 (PEAT? 2C). 11º 54.70N, 141º 2.74W

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1332A-15X to 18H penetrated from 125.9 to 152.4 m DSF; recovered 26.5 m (52%). Radiolarian ooze with clay and radiolarian nannofossil ooze grading downward to porcellanite and radiolarian ooze. Cores 17X and 18X comprise chert, clay, and basalt; the base of 18X recovered a very nice piece of basalt about 10 cm long with a vein filled fracture along nearly the its entire length. Core 15X is middle Eocene, but ages below are elusive at this time.

Challenge:  List and discuss reasons for variations in percent core recovery.  Send your answers using the Comment function below!  Really, send them.

 

Photo:  Sedimentologist Hideto Nakamura (Hokkaido University) describing core with all-new equipment.  Credit:  Bill Crawford, IODP Imaging Specialist.