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IODP Expedition 362

Sumatra Seismogenic Zone


Daily Science Report for 31 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0550′N, 91°36.3370′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Cores U1480G-45R to 51R advanced from 1171.9 to 1238.0 mbsf with 30.1 m recovered (46%). Hole conditions remain good.

All cores through Core U1480G-49R have been measured on the section-half loggers, described, and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses. Discrete samples for P-wave velocity and thermal conductivity have been measured through Core 49R, and moisture and density measurements are completed through Core 37R.

Cores U1480G-42R to 49R are dominated by slightly bioturbated, black to very dark gray, normally graded, silty clay to clay. Variable amounts of silt and calcareous intervals result in fining upward sequences. The minor lithology consists of thick beds of normally graded fine to coarse sand, with rip-up clasts and plant fragments. Bedding dips are horizontal. Core 49R is of late Miocene age (~9.2 Ma).


Daily Science Report for 30 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0550′N, 91°36.3370′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Cores U1480G-36R to 44R advanced from 1084.4 to 1171.9 mbsf with 26.7 m recovered (31%). Hole conditions remain good.

All cores through Core U1480G-42R have been measured on the section-half loggers, described, and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses. Discrete samples for P-wave velocity and thermal conductivity have been measured through Core 42R, and moisture and density measurements are completed through Core 26R.

In Cores U1480G-32R to 37R the dominant lithology is slightly bioturbated dark gray clay with silt, with parallel, centimeter-scale laminations. The minor lithology consists of dark gray, fine to silty sands with normal grading and parallel laminations, reworked rounded clay clasts, and wood fragments. From the base of Core 37R to Core 41R, the amount of calcareous material increases slightly and bioturbation is slight or absent. The lithology consists of very dark gray alternating sand and black mud in fining-upward sequences of thin beds that are rich in plant fragments. Cores 38R–42R are devoid of any structural features, and bedding dips are starting to increase. Drilling disturbance is minor. Rare discoasters in Cores 42R–43R suggest a late Miocene age younger than 9.6 Ma.


Daily Science Report for 29 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0550′N, 91°36.3370′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Cores U1480G-27R to 35R advanced from 996.8 to 1084.4 mbsf with 25.8 m recovered (29%). Hole conditions remain good.

All cores through Core U1480G-34R have been measured on the whole-round loggers. All cores through Core 31R have been measured on the section-half loggers, described, and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses. Discrete samples for P-wave velocity and thermal conductivity have been measured through Core 31R, and moisture and density measurements are completed through Core 20R.

The lithology in Cores 22R through 31R returns to bioturbated alternating dark gray to black clay with very thin to thin beds and laminae. Silt layers, sometimes normally graded, show rare convolute laminations. Intercalated within the background sediment are dark gray, thin- to medium-bedded, structureless, normally graded silty sand and fine sand layers that often contain reworked and rounded mud clasts as well as variable amounts of plant debris. Small amounts of calcareous clay, brownish clay, and carbonate concretions are observed in the lower part of the cored interval. Core 31R is late Miocene in age.

Cores 23R–24R continue the pattern of flat bedding with only microfaults. Core 25R, however, contains an interval with an unusual concentration of normal faults, localized rotated bedding dips up to 11°, and faint vein structures. Shorter deformed intervals with low-angle to bedding-parallel shear zones are present in Cores 26R–32R.


Daily Science Report for 28 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0550′N, 91°36.3370′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Cores U1480G-18R to 26R advanced from 909.3 to 996.8 mbsf with 51.3 m recovered (59%).

Cores U1480G-16R to 27R were measured on the whole-round loggers. Cores 14R to 22R were measured on the section-half loggers, described, and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses. Discrete samples for P-wave velocity and thermal conductivity have been measured through Core 24R, and moisture and density measurements are completed through Core 13R.

Cores U1480G-14R to 19R contain bioturbated, alternating greenish black and reddish brown clay and silt. Silt layers show parallel laminations. Intercalated within the background sediment are greenish black, thin to medium bedded, often structureless and normally graded silty sand and fine sand layers that also contain reworked and rounded clay clasts as well as rare to common amounts of plant debris. Sandy layers decrease down to Core 19R and then reoccur in Cores 20R and 21R where they have higher abundance, larger thickness, and sometimes show reverse grading at the base. Structures include minor synsedimentary normal faults with millimeter-scale offsets and minor folds, otherwise bedding dips remain flat. The deepest sediment is of late Miocene age.


Daily Science Report for 27 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0550′N, 91°36.3370′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Cores U1480G-8R to 17R advanced from 812.2 to 909.3 mbsf with 31.8 m recovered (33%).

Cores U1480G-6R to 15R were measured on the whole-round loggers. Cores 5R to 13R were measured on the section-half loggers, described, and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses.

Cores U1480G-5R to 10R contain mainly bioturbated very dark gray to black clay with very thin to thin beds and laminae of parallel-laminated silt. Cores 11R to 12R contain structureless medium to fine sand with cm-scale rounded to angular clay and silty clay clasts, and intervals of deformed silty clay beds. Core 13R contains bioturbated intervals of alternating reddish brown and greenish gray silty clay. The deepest sediments, mostly based on the occurrence of nannofossils, are still of late Miocene age.


Daily Science Report for 26 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0550′N, 91°36.3370′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: It took several hours to clean out the sand that had accumulated inside the casing between 568.3 and 759.6 mbsf. Coring resumed with the rotary core barrel (RCB) system at 0530 h. Cores U1480G-2R to 7R advanced from 759.6 to 812.2 mbsf with 23.3 m recovered (44%).

Cores U1480G-2R to 5R were measured on the whole-round loggers. Cores 2R to 4R were measured on the section-half loggers, described, and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses.

Cores U1480G-2R to 4R contain predominantly highly bioturbated very dark gray to black clay with some portion of silt that is interrupted by parallel, laminated, mm- to cm-scaled layers of normal graded silts and very fine sand. Additionally, we see intercalated normally graded medium beds of fine sand to silt, with parallel and cross laminations and horizontally aligned plant fragments. Minor fault structures were observed in Core U1480G-4R, including one interval of scaly fabric that was also seen in Core U1480F-94X. Bedding dips remain subhorizontal. Slump folds are identified in close association with possible debris-flow deposits. The age of Core 4R is late Miocene.

The scientists also participated in a science seminar on sediment gravity flows.


Daily Science Report for 25 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0550′N, 91°36.3370′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: We finished recovering the mud motor, underreamer, and drill bit assembly to the rig floor. At 0745 h, we started assembling the rotary core barrel (RCB) bottom-hole assembly, followed by the drill string. The subsea camera was deployed at 1800 h and Hole U1480G was reentered at 2005 h—within 12 min of first observing the reentry funnel. The bit was lowered into the hole but encountered fill within the casing at 573 mbsf (~180 m from the bottom of the casing). By midnight, the subsea camera had been recovered and we prepared for washing the sand out of the hole so we can start coring below the casing.

The scientists continued to work on their results from Holes U1480A–U1480F and participated in a science seminar on correlating tephras using land and marine data and a possible link between climate and the frequency of volcanic eruptions.


Daily Science Report for 24 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0550′N, 91°36.3370′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Drilling the casing and reentry system into the seafloor continued until 1330 h to 756 mbsf. The entire drilling operation lasted 36.5 h. The running tool was released from the reentry system at 1400 h and the subsea camera was back in the moonpool area at 1630 h. The rest of the day was spent bringing the mud motor, underreamer, and drill bit assembly to the surface, and by midnight the bit was at 790 m below the rig floor.

The scientists continued to work on their results from Holes U1480A–U1480F and participated in a science seminar on clay smear in faulted sediments.


Daily Science Report for 23 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0550′N, 91°36.3370′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Hole U1480G was spudded at 0105 h. Drilling the casing and reentry system into the seafloor continued for the entire day at ~20 m/h, and by midnight the bit was at 530.3 mbsf. A portion of the mud skirt broke off after ~9 h of drilling and the mud skirt dropped to the seafloor at 1100 h.

As mentioned yesterday, we split, described, and sampled Core U1480B-1H, which was originally set aside on 13 August when it missed the mudline. It is composed of predominantly moderately bioturbated brownish to beige clay, with calcareous biocomponents and vitric ash in variable amounts, and a minor component of greenish gray silty clay. We observed one intact ash layer in Section U1480B-1H-5 as well as two large ash pods from a displaced ash layer in Section 1H-3. The scientists continued to work on their results from Holes U1480E and U1480F.


Daily Science Report for 22 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0557′N, 91°36.3375′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: We continued assembling the casing that will be installed in Hole U1480G. The last of the ~754 m casing string was assembled by 0400 h and the entire casing string was suspended from the mud skirt resting on the moonpool doors. The crew then assembled the mud motor, underreamer, and drill bit, and tested the mud motor and underreamer in the moonpool (0630–0800 h). The Hydraulic Release Tool (HRT) was used to lower the drilling assembly into the casing (with the bit extending ~5 m below the casing), and the HRT was then attached to the top of the casing string in the moonpool. The casing string was then lowered ~150 m below the ship so that we could observe the deployment of the free-fall funnel (FFF) with the subsea camera. Once we were satisfied that the FFF had landed correctly on the HRT (1415 h), the entire reentry system and drilling assembly was lowered to the seafloor. At 2100 h, the bit had reached 4119 m below rig floor (mbrf) and the subsea camera was deployed to observe the reentry system while it was drilled into the seafloor. At the end of the day the bit had been positioned at 4148 mbrf in preparation for spudding Hole U1480G.

The scientists met to discuss the results from Holes U1480E and U1480F and they are preparing their initial reports. To clarify the age model of the uppermost 30 m at this site, it was decided to describe and sample Core U1480B-1H, which was set aside on 13 August when it missed the mudline.


Daily Science Report for 21 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480G (3°2.0557′N, 91°36.3375′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: In preparation for casing operations, we continued to recover the drill string, with the drill bit arriving back on the rig floor at 0740 h. The crew then started assembling the reentry system planned for Hole U1480G, which will comprise ~755 m of 10¾ inch casing, a mud skirt, the Hydraulic Release Tool (HRT), and a free-fall funnel. To drill the casing into the formation, a stinger with a mud motor, an underreamer, and a drill bit will be assembled and run into the casing. During drilling, the arms of the underreamer will be set to a diameter of 12.75 inch to open a hole large enough for the casing. When the mud skirt lands on the seafloor, the end of the casing should be at ~755 mbsf. By the end of the day, we had assembled 498 m of casing.

All physical properties measurements have been completed for Hole U1480F, whereas paleomagnetic measurements of discrete samples and geochemical analyses are in progress.

In Cores 90X to 98X, the lithology remains the same and is characterized by normally graded, cross- and parallel-laminated silty beds, embedded in a moderately bioturbated dark greenish gray clay, with a slightly increasing calcareous portion. A few fine sand beds are partly cemented by carbonate. Nannofossils indicate a late Miocene age at the bottom of Hole U1480F.


Daily Science Report for 20 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480F (3°2.0449′N, 91°36.3375′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Cores U1480F-91X to 98X advanced from 737.2 to 815.0 mbsf with 18.7 m recovered (24%). Coring in Hole U1480F ended at 1900 h at a depth of 815 mbsf. The original operations plan included wireline logging at this hole but the science party had decided to defer logging at this site because (1) the presence of multiple sand layers increased the risk of the logging tools getting stuck and (2) the enlarged hole diameter made it unlikely that we would be able to get good data. The rest of the day was spent recovering the drill string so that we could start casing operations for Hole U1480G, where our objective is to core and log to 1460 mbsf. The drill bit cleared the seafloor at 2325 h after experiencing tight hole conditions in the upper ~350 m of the hole, which required an average of 70 klbs overpull to free the drill string.

All cores through Core U1480F-96X have been measured on the section-half loggers and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses. Moisture and density measurements have been completed through Core 82X.

In Cores 86X to 90X, the lithology gets coarser and is dominated by sandy silty clay with intercalated thin to medium beds of fine sand. Below Core 90X the lithology returns to normally graded, cross- and parallel-laminated silty beds, embedded in a moderately bioturbated dark greenish gray clay. Nannofossils indicate a late Miocene age.


Daily Science Report for 19 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480F (3°2.0449′N, 91°36.3375′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Cores U1480F-77X to 90X advanced from 601.0 to 737.2 mbsf with 10.4 m recovered (8%). The final depth of Hole U1480F is expected to be 800 mbsf.

All cores through Core U1480F-88X have been measured on the section-half loggers and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses. Moisture and density measurements have been completed through Core 71X.

Cores 69X to 86X contain normally graded, cross- and parallel-laminated silty to sandy beds, embedded in a moderately bioturbated dark greenish gray clay. A minor amount of biogenic carbonate has been observed, indicating a late Miocene age for the oldest sediment recovered today.


Daily Science Report for 18 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480F (3°2.0449′N, 91°36.3375′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Cores U1480F-63X to 76X advanced from 465.0 to 601.0 mbsf with 25.0 m recovered (18% recovery). Hole conditions remain good, and coring will continue in this hole until XCB refusal.

All cores through Core U1480F-76X have been measured on the section-half loggers, discrete physical properties measurements have been completed through Core 54X, and sampling for shipboard and postcruise analyses has been completed through Core 68X.

In Cores 47F to 52X, structureless, dark gray massive clay to silty clay is the dominant lithology. Although core recovery is low, a major change can be observed below Core 53X toward normally graded, cross- and parallel-laminated silty to sandy beds that are embedded in a moderately bioturbated dark greenish gray clay. Although drilling deformation is prevalent, a series of faults believed to be natural were observed in Core 55X. A few core intervals contain poorly preserved nannofossils of earliest Pliocene age.


Daily Science Report for 17 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480F (3°2.0449′N, 91°36.3375′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Coring continued in Hole U1480F with the half-length advanced piston corer (HLAPC) and extended core barrel (XCB) systems. During the early part of the day, HLAPC cores alternated with intervals drilled down without coring. Cores U1480F-41F to 51F advanced from 304.5 to 357.7 mbsf with 14.2 m recovered (27% recovery). For the remainder of the day, the XCB system was used continuously. Cores U1480F-52X to 62X advanced from 357.7 to 465.0 mbsf with 36.3 m recovered (34% recovery). Hole conditions remain good despite the large amount of sand present in the hole. Sea conditions are impacting core recovery (average heave ~3.4 m).

All cores through Core U1480F-55X have been measured on the section-half loggers, and sampling for shipboard and postcruise analyses has been completed through Core 47F.

Cores U1480F-20F through 25F contain a monotonous succession of dark gray, fine to very fine sand layers. From Core 26F to 36F, slightly bioturbated layers of dark gray clay to silty clay alternate with silt to fine sand layers, which are occasionally interrupted by short intervals of light greenish gray calcareous ooze. Below Core 37F, dark gray, massive, clay to silty clay dominates, and is rarely interrupted by beds of fine sand. Drilling deformation is prevalent.

Most core catcher samples investigated are barren of both biogenic carbonate and silica. A few samples from cores recovered in the afternoon are believed to represent indigenous assemblages, indicating an age approaching the Miocene/Pliocene boundary.


Daily Science Report for 16 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480F (3°2.0449′N, 91°36.3375′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Coring continued in Hole U1480F with the half-length APC (HLAPC) and extended core barrel (XCB) systems. Cores U1480F-18F to 401 (core type “1” indicates an interval drilled-down without coring) advanced from 188.8 to 304.5 mbsf with 57.3 m recovered (52% recovery). In the latter part of the day, the XCB system was used (Cores 34X, 35X, 37X) as well as drilled-down intervals (Cores 301, 321, 381, 401) alternating with HLAPC cores. This coring strategy was used to ensure we recovered some core every 9.7 m advanced, and to also comply with our safety policy.

Cores U1480F-18F to 37X were measured on the whole-round loggers. Cores 18F–22F were measured on the section-half loggers, described, and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses. Few interstitial water samples were collected due to the predominance of sands.

Cores U1480F-12F through 17F contain monotonous dark gray layers of fine sand or alternating clay, silt, to very fine sand layers at the centimeter to meter scale. With the exception of Core 15F, no calcareous components are observed. In Cores 17F–20F the lithology returns to monotonous fine to very fine sands.

The structural geology group has been trying to decipher drilling deformation textures. In particular, diapiric-like structures of drilling-induced folds with flat crests and limbs parallel to the core barrel and enormous shear strains overlie in some instances beds with no deformation.


Daily Science Report for 15 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480F (3°2.0449′N, 91°36.3375′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: The day started with coring in Hole U1480F. Cores U1480F-2H to 8H advanced from 98 to 146.5 mbsf with 49.3 m recovered (102% recovery). Because the last two cores had partial advancement, the coring tool was switched from the advanced piston corer (APC) to the half-length advanced piston corer (HLAPC). Cores U1480F-9F to 17F advanced from 146.5 to 188.8 mbsf with 38.1 m recovered (90% recovery).

Cores U1480F-2F to 17F were measured on the whole-round loggers. Cores 2F–8F were measured on the section-half loggers, described, and sampled for shipboard and postcruise analyses. Few interstitial water samples were collected due to the predominance of sands.

In Cores U1480E-8H through 12H, sediments are getting generally finer. Abundant thin and thicker beds of often normally graded, dark greenish gray fine sand to (clayey) silt alternate with moderately bioturbated finer grained sections composed predominantly of dark green to gray clays and silty clays, sometimes with rare amounts of calcareous nannofossils. This trend continues down to Core U1480F-4H, from which point thicker, monotonous, fine sand layers of dark gray color dominate the lithology downhole. Bedding attitudes reflect little deformation. Drilling disturbance has been extreme in the sand-rich sections, preventing the detection of small-scale structures.


Daily Science Report for 14 August 2016

Location:
Hole U1480F (3°2.0447′N, 91°36.3378′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)
Hole U1480E (3°2.0341′N, 91°36.3378′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: The day started with the T2P instrument, motion decoupled hydraulic delivery system (MDHDS), and Electrical Release System (ERS) run into the hole on the Schlumberger wireline. The T2P is a penetrometer that is carried to the depth of deployment inside the MDHDS and is decoupled from the bottom-hole assembly using the ERS. Before deployment, our estimate of how long it would take for the trip to 4158 m DRF (~100 m below seafloor [mbsf]), the measurement itself (~30 min), and the trip back was ~8 h. At the start of the experiment, the T2P appeared to have been successfully released. When the measurement ended, we attempted to grab the top of the MDHDS with the ERS but were unable to do so after several attempts and the Schlumberger wireline was brought to the surface at 1030 h. Several attempts were made to grab the MDHDS with the coreline and a fishing tool over a 4.5 h interval. Expecting to have to bring the drill string all the way to the surface to recover the MDHDS and T2P, the drill string was pulled out of the hole and cleared the seafloor at 1540 h, ending Hole U1480E. The crew continued trying to grab the MDHDS using a fishing spear and, after several attempts, were able to do so at ~1800 h. After the T2P tool arrived back on the rig floor, it was observed to be damaged and we are in the process of processing the data to understand what happened. The ship was offset 20 m to the north and Hole U1480F was spudded at 1910 h. By 2215 h we had drilled without recovery to 98 mbsf and the rest of the evening was spent conditioning the hole to resume coring.

Cores U1480E-2H to 12H were measured on the whole-round loggers, split, and then measured on the section-half loggers. Cores 2H–8H were sampled for shipboard and personal samples. The interstitial water from several whole-round samples is being analyzed in the chemistry laboratory.

Cores U1480E-2H to 7H contain predominantly light brownish to beige clay and common nannofossil ooze interrupted by some intercalated felsic ash layers in Cores 2H and 3H. From Core 4H through Core 7H, two main lithological units are observed that alternate at meter scale. The first is made up of greenish gray clay with different amounts of mm- to cm-sized (tuffaceous) intercalated silt and sand layers, usually normally graded. The second unit consists of very thick continuous, monotonous dark greenish gray, structureless fine- to medium-grained sand layers. The bottom of Core U1480E-12H is of early Pleistocene age (<2.4 Ma).

We have found little evidence of tectonic deformation so far; bedding dips remain within 5° of horizontal. Local development of sand and clay injections in a restricted interval in Section U1480E-4H-3 may reflect paleoseismicity structures created by shaking and remobilization of shallow, liquid-rich sediments. Diminishing drilling disturbance reflects consolidation and strengthening of the sediments, and the drilling deformation observed so far reflects ductile deformation.


Daily Science Report for 13 August 2016

Location:
Hole U1480E (3°2.0341′N, 91°36.3378′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)
Hole U1480D (3°2.0330′N, 91°36.3496′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)
Hole U1480C (3°2.0337′N, 91°36.3613′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)
Hole U1480B (3°2.0437′N, 91°36.3603′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)
Hole U1480A (3°2.0447′N, 91°36.3481′E, 4147.5 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: Holes U1480A through U1480D were spudded at 0050 h, 0235 h, 0400 h, and 0535 h, respectively. In each case, a full core was recovered and the hole was terminated because the mudline was missed. The cause for missing the mudline was tracked to an error in adding up the joints of pipe. The drill bit was repositioned to the original, correct depth of 4157 m DRF and Hole U1480E was spudded at 0710 h. Cores U1480A-1H to 12H were taken with the advanced piston corer (APC) from 0 to 99.7 m with 97.54 m recovered (98%). APCT-3 temperature measurements were taken with Cores 6H, 8H, and 12H. Cores 1H through 8H were oriented with the IceField tool but an abundance of sand necessitated the removal of the IceField tool from subsequent cores. At the end of the day, the crew was preparing to deploy the T2P instrument.

Cores U1480A-1H, U1480C-1H, and U1480E-1H were measured on the whole-round loggers, split, and then measured on the section-half loggers. Cores U1480B-1H and U1480D-1H were only measured on the whole-round loggers and put in storage. Core U1480E-1H was sampled for shipboard and personal samples, and the sampling plan was further revised.

Cores U1480A-1H and U1480C-1H consist of grayish greenish clay with numerous intercalated cm-sized fine sand beds, alternating with thick massive fine to medium sand layers. Core U1480E-1H is predominantly mottled and bioturbated clayey ooze in the upper part, followed by alternating clayey silts and graded, parallel laminated fine to silty sands in the lower part. Thick to very thick grayish pinkish ash layers appear in all cores within the clay-rich portion. The bottom of Core U1480E-11H is of early Pleistocene age (~2.4 Ma).


Daily Science Report for 12 August 2016

Location: Hole U1480A (3°2.0447′N, 91°36.3481′E, 4150 m water depth; proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: The JOIDES Resolution arrived at Site U1480 (proposed Site SUMA-11C) at 0615 h on 12 August 2016. The 842 nmi transit from Colombo, Sri Lanka, was completed in 65.8 h (2.7 d) at a speed of 12.8 kt. Upon arriving on site, the thrusters were lowered, an acoustic beacon was deployed, and the crew started assembling the bottom-hole assembly and drill string. The top drive was picked up, the drill string was spaced out, and the crew prepared to spud Hole U1480A around midnight. The scientists attended a presentation on the required ship and publication reports, IODP depth scales, and data reporting tools. The science party finalized the sampling plan for Site U1480. Preparations continued for the deployment of the T2P instrument. Weather conditions are good for coring operations.


Daily Science Report for 11 August 2016

Location: In transit from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Site U1480 (proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: The JOIDES Resolution covered 285 nmi of the 785 nmi transit to Site U1480 (proposed Site SUMA-11C). The scientists received training on the sampling software and proper sampling procedures. The Co-Chief Scientists, Expedition Project Manager, and Operations Superintendent met with members of the crew to discuss the Operations Plan for Site U1480. The science party continued refining the sampling plan for Site U1480 in preparation for processing the first cores tomorrow night. Preparations continued for the use of the T2P instrument. The clocks were advanced 1 h at 0200 h.


Daily Science Report for 10 August 2016

Location: In transit from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Site U1480 (proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: The JOIDES Resolution completed 315 nmi of the 785 nmi transit to Site U1480 (proposed Site SUMA-11C). The scientists participated in a science seminar on the geology and earthquakes of the Sumatra margin, and they were given an introduction on the shipboard and postcruise education and outreach activities. The Co-Chief Scientists and Expedition Project Manager met with individual laboratory groups to discuss the progress of preparation in the laboratories. The Co-Chief Scientists and Expedition Project Manager also met with groups of scientists with similar research interests, and scientists were asked to finalize the details of their sample requests. The day ended with a discussion on logging data: examples of logging data, who will be involved in the initial processing and presentation of the data, and who has postcruise interest in the data. Scientists started moving to their day/night shifts.


Daily Science Report for 9 August 2016

Location: In transit from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Site U1480 (proposed Site SUMA-11C)

Science Update: The JOIDES Resolution departed Colombo, Sri Lanka, at 1018 h on 9 August 2016 for the 785 nmi transit to Site U1480 (proposed Site SUMA-11C). The scientists received an orientation on operations, coring, and logging tools, continued to work in their laboratories, and started preparing the Methods section that will accompany the IODP Proceedings volume. A group of scientists and technical staff met to discuss the deployment of the T2P instrument. An abandon boat drill was conducted at 1300 h and the clocks were advanced 0.5 h at 1400 h. Our ETA based on our current speed of 13.8 kt is 0700 h on 12 August.


Daily Science Report for 8 August 2016

Location: Passenger Terminal, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Science Update: Port call activities for the science party continued with a presentation on what we need to produce on board and how we are going to accomplish it; a safety and life boat orientation by the Captain, First Mate, and Doctor; and a preliminary discussion of everyone’s personal research goals. After lunch, scientists were introduced to the procedures and instruments in their laboratories.


Daily Science Report for 7 August 2016

Location: Passenger Terminal, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Science Update: The Expedition 362 Scientists and Siem Offshore/Entier crew boarded the vessel in the morning. The science party includes 35 individuals from Australia, Brazil, P.R. China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, UK, and USA. The scientists received orientations on the scientific objectives of the expedition, life at sea, laboratory safety, and the ship’s computing and email systems.


Daily Science Report for 6 August 2016

Location: Passenger Terminal, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Science Update: IODP Sumatra Seismogenic Zone Expedition 362 began at 1239 h on August 3 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, following a transit from Cape Town, South Africa. Maintenance and freight offloading/loading activities were completed in the first three days. The Co-Chief Scientists, Expedition Project Manager, and technical staff boarded the vessel on the morning of August 6.