JA Daily Science Report for Expedition 309, 27 July 2005

LOCATION: Site 1256

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores 97R to 100R recovered 6.06 m of basalts from 897.8 to  917.0 mbsf (31.6%). The recovery was boosted by an interval of fine grained massive basalt in Core 99R (3.0 m recovered, 3.2 m cored). The abundance of vertical fractures has increased relative to gently dipping structures below Core 96R. The top of Core 100R contains an interval of basaltic breccia displaying angular, cryptocrystalline to glassy clasts supported in a matrix of green, waxy, phyllosilicate minerals. Pore spaces in the breccia contain euhedral carbonate crystals and minor copper sulfides. With the arrival of each new core, anticipation of dikes heightens among the science party.