JA Daily Science Report for Expedition 309, 08 August 2005

LOCATION: Site 1256

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores 137R and 138R recovered 3.14 m of basalts from 1099.3 to 1108.9 mbsf (32.7% recovery). Two massive aphyric microcrystalline basalt flow units (45 and 46) were identified. Pieces 13 to 15 of Section 137R-1 contain brecciated clasts of altered cryptocrystalline basalt and altered glass cemented by saponite and anhydrite. After retrieval of Core 138R the bit had accumulated 50.8 hrs of rotation (57.6 m cored; 21.45 m recovered; 37.2 % recovery) so the pipe was tripped for a bit change. The cone was cleared at 1215 and Bit #6 completed the >4750 m journey back to the rig floor at 1800. Bit #7 and a new BHA were made up and the pipe was tripped back to Hole 1256D for reentry #8.