IODP Expedition 341

Southern Alaska Margin Tectonics, Climate & Sedimentation

Daily Science Report for 30 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1418F (58°46.5883′N, 144°29.5986′W, 3667.0 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1418E-12H and ‑13H (163.3–181.6 mbsf) were recovered. Following Core U1418E-13H, the drill pipe was pulled out of the hole and the bit cleared the rotary table at 1900 h, ending Hole U1418E. Hole U1418F was spudded and presently the hole is being drilled down without recovery to 260 mbsf.

Cores U1418D-29H to ‑37X (239.4–305.8 mbsf) and Cores U1418E-2H to ‑13H (78.0–181.6 mbsf; U1418E-3-1 was a drilled interval of 3.0 m) were split and described. The major lithology is a dark gray to dark greenish-gray mud with interbedded silts. Diatom ooze, clasts, and ash layers were also observed. The splice for Site U1418 is almost complete. The samples from Hole U1418A have been analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC) and run on the ion chromatograph (IC). TOC% displays an increasing trend down hole and appears to be anti-correlated with CaCO₃%.

Daily Science Report for 29 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1418E (58°46.5890′N, 144°29.5771′W, 3667.0 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Hole U1418E was spudded at 1755 h and washed down to 78.0 mbsf. Core U1418E-2H was recovered from 78.0 to 87.5 mbsf. After a 3.0 m advance without coring, Cores U1418E-4H to ‑11H (90.5–163.3 mbsf) were recovered.

Cores U1418D-15H to ‑28H (122.8–239.4 mbsf) contain dark gray mud with silt interbeds, lonestones, and traces of ash. The cores are within the diatom zone NPD 12 (0–300 kyr). Discrete physical properties samples have been finished through Core U1418D-28H. The downhole logging data from Site U1417 has been processed and scientists are working towards core-log-seismic correlation.

Daily Science Report for 28 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1418D (58°46.5993′N, 144°29.5579′W, 3666.5 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1418D-25H to ‑31H (211.8–253.3 mbsf) were taken using the APC system. At 257.3 mbsf, the coring system was switched to XCB and Cores U1418D-32X to ‑37X (257.3–305.8 mbsf) were cut. The overall core recovery for Hole U1418D is 92%. Presently, the drill pipe is being pulled out of the hole and Hole U1418E will be spudded later today, 29 June. Hole U1418E will be interval cored with the APC system to fill in coring gaps.

Cores U1418C-29H to ‑32H (201.4–230.7 mbsf) and Cores U1418D-2H to ‑14H (3.0–122.8 mbsf) were split and described. The cores from Hole U1418D consist of a gray to dark gray mud with silt interbeds. Clasts, an ash layer, and a coarse sand layer were also observed. The last occurrence of the radiolarian Lychnocanoma sakaii (0.03 Ma) was found in U1418D-9H-CC. The stratigraphic correlation between holes is ongoing.

Daily Science Report for 27 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1418D (58°46.5993′N, 144°29.5579′W, 3666.5 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Hole U1418D was spudded at 0855 h and washed down to 3 mbsf. Cores U1418D-2H to ‑24H (3.0–211.8 mbsf) have been retrieved with 101% recovery. The sediments are within the diatom zone NPD 12 (modern to 300 kyr).

Cores U1418C-13H to ‑28H (86.9–201.4 mbsf) were split and described. The lithology of these cores is a dark gray mud with silt interbeds. Clasts, ash layers, and diatom oozes are also observed. The abundance of radiolarians is sporadic, varying from abundant to almost barren. The presence of coastal diatoms and diatom resting spores is interpreted as indicating sediment transport from the coast.

Daily Science Report for 26 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1418C (58°46.5991′N, 144°29.5570′W, 3666.0 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1418C-13H to ‑19H (86.9–118.2 mbsf) were cored using the half-length APC system. This interval was problematic for drilling with the full APC system in Hole U1418A, which is why the decision was made to use the half corer. Once this interval was cleared, drilling resumed with the full APC system through Core U1418C-33H (230.7 mbsf). Hole U1418C was terminated after no sediment was recovered in Core U1418C-33H and preparation is being made to spud Hole U1418D.

Cores U1418A-28H to ‑33H (184.2–209.9 mbsf), U1418B-1H and ‑2H (0–17.0 mbsf), and U1418C-1H to ‑12H (0–86.9 mbsf) were split and described. The base of Hole U1418A consists of gray mud with interbedded silt. The cores from Hole U1418C consist of gray mud with silt layers and up to 10 cm-thick beds of sand. Slight color banding, clasts, very dispersed volcanic ash, and diatom-bearing muds are observed. Planktic and benthic foraminifera are well-preserved and planktic foraminifera are found throughout Hole U1418A. The presence of diatoms and radiolarians is sporadic and most intervals are barren. Hole U1418C is within the Botryostrobus aquilonaris radiolarian biozone, making the sediments middle to late Pleistocene in age. The interstitial water samples for Holes U1418A and B have been analyzed and there is potential evidence that the sulfate-methane transition zone is observed.

Daily Science Report for 25 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1418C (58°46.5991′N, 144°29.5570′W, 3666.0 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1418A-32H and ‑33H (203.0–209.9 mbsf) were cored with the half-length APC system. Following Core U1418A-33H, the drill string was pulled out of the hole and the ship was offset by 20 m. Hole U1418B was initiated at 1355 h. The purpose of Hole U1418B was to re-core the upper 17 m of sediment, which was disturbed in Hole U1418A. Cores U1418B-1H and ‑2H were taken to 17.0 mbsf. The drill string was pulled out of the hole and the ship was offset 20 m. Hole U1418C was spudded at 2030 h. Cores U1418C-1H to ‑12H (0–86.9 mbsf) have been recovered; Cores U1418C-9H to ‑12H were cored with the half-length APC system.

The sediments from Cores U1418A-11H to ‑26H (90.3–179.5 mbsf) consist of gray mud with interbedded silt and diatom-bearing intervals. In addition, reworked ash layers and a few lonestones are observed. Pore water from Hole U1418B was sampled with interstitial water whole rounds and rhizones. The stratigraphic correlation of Holes U1418A, B, and C is ongoing.

Daily Science Report for 24 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1418A (58°46.6095′N, 144°29.5777′W, 3668.2 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1418A-9H to ‑13H (71.3–118.4 mbsf) were cored using the full APC system. The decision was made to switch to the half APC system beginning at Core U1418A-14H, after three partial-stroke cores. Cores U1418A-14H through ‑31H (118.4–203.0 mbsf) have been recovered. The age of the sediments is middle Pleistocene to recent and diatom and radiolarian biostratigraphy suggests that Core U1418A-28H is younger than 0.3 Ma.

Cores U1418A-1H to ‑4H were rhizone sampled for pore water. The lithology of Cores U1418A-1H to ‑10H (0–90.3 mbsf) consists primarily of gray mud with cm-scale interbedded sand and silt. Some of the sand beds are interpreted to be gravity flow deposits. Other lithologies include diatom oozes and an ash layer. Lonestones and clasts are observed. Radiolarian biostratigraphy for these cores suggests that the sediments were deposited in the last 30 kyr. Both planktonic and benthic foraminifera are abundant and well-preserved. Radiolaria are also abundant, whereas diatoms are frequently not present. Starting at 104 mbsf, methane increases up to ~40,000 ppm.

Daily Science Report for 23 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1418A (58°46.6095′N, 144°29.5777′W, 3668.2 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The ship arrived at Site U1418 at ~1430 h. Hole U1418A was spudded and the first core on deck arrived at 0035 h on 24 June. Thus far, Cores U1418A-1H to ‑8H (0–71.3 mbsf) have been recovered. The diatom and radiolarian biostratigraphy indicates these cores are late middle to late Pleistocene in age.

The labs continue to write site reports for Site U1417. The geochemistry lab is processing IW and head space samples for Hole U1418A, in addition to analyzing results from Site U1417.

Daily Science Report for 22 June 2013

LOCATION: In transit to Site U1418

SCIENCE UPDATE: Downhole logging with the high-resolution magnetic susceptibility sonde (MSS) was successful, though the tool string was only able to reach 200.5 mbsf before encountering an obstruction. This was the first time the MSS has been used on an expedition. Following the MSS run, the vertical seismic imaging (VSI) tool was run and also was unable to reach depths greater than 200 mbsf. The ship was prepared for transit and is currently in route to Site U1418 (GOA16-1A).

The geochemistry analyses for Site U1417 are almost complete and all of the downhole logging data is being processed. The lab groups continue to work on the U1417 site reports.

Daily Science Report for 21 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417E (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5993′W, 4188.6 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Downhole logging of Hole U1417E continued throughout the day. The triple combo, FMS sonic, and high-resolution magnetic susceptibility sonde (MSS) tool strings were successfully deployed and run in the hole. Presently, VSP operations are taking place. Once the VSP is completed the ship will transit to GOA16-1A (Site U1418). The science labs have been analyzing data and working on the U1417 site reports. The geochemistry lab is running samples on the IC and ICP and carbonate and CHNS analyses are ongoing.

Daily Science Report for 20 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417E (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5993′W, 4188.6 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The final cores of U1417E were retrieved (37R–39R; 680.4–709.5 mbsf) and the hole was conditioned for downhole logging. Logging with the triple combo began at 2130 h and continued into the morning of 21 June.

Cores U1417E-35R to ‑39R (661.0–709.5 mbsf) consist of mud, siltstone, sand, and biosiliceous ooze. Small, cm-scale faulting was observed in these cores. Biostratigraphic ages for Hole U1417E are being finalized and coordinated between microfossil groups. Interpretation of the paleomagnetic datums is ongoing. The geochemistry lab is busy running samples on the IC and ICP in addition to carbonate and CHNS analysis. All of the lab groups are working on text and figures for the U1417 Site Report.

Daily Science Report for 19 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417E (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5993′W, 4188.6 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1417E-23R to ‑36R (544.5–673.37 mbsf) were recovered. The total depth (TD) for Hole U1417E (709 mbsf) is expected to be reached mid-day 20 June. After TD is reached, the hole will be conditioned and downhole logging will commence the afternoon of 20 June.

Cores U1417E-19R to ‑34R (515.4–655.12 mbsf) consist of mud, which at times is highly bioturbated and contains diatoms and volcanic glass; siltstones; thick (~1.5 m) biosiliceous oozes; and intervals of highly cemented rock. The radiolarian and diatom biostratigraphy indicate that Core U1417E-32R is around 10 Ma. The final age model for Site U1417 is currently being constructed.

Daily Science Report for 18 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417E (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5993′W, 4188.6 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1417E-9R to ‑22R (418.4–545.39 mbsf) were recovered. The majority of core catchers are barren of microfossils, but radiolarians found in U1417E-14R-CC suggest the sample is older than 4.4 Ma.

Cores U1417E-7R to ‑18R (399.0–510.10 mbsf) consist of recurring intervals of mud with diatom ooze and coarse-grained sands with clasts. Some of these intervals are interpreted to be mass transport deposits and contain wood fragments. Pyritized burrows were also observed. Between Cores U1417E-9R and ‑12R (418.4–457.2 mbsf), the methane concentration increases from 4 ppm to over 1000 ppm and remains elevated down core.

Daily Science Report for 17 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417E (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5993′W, 4188.6 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Hole U1417E was spudded at 0230 h. The hole was drilled without coring to 264 mbsf and four RCB cores were taken: U1417E-2R to ‑5R (264.0–297.25 mbsf). A second interval was drilled without coing from 302.2–399.0 mbsf. RCB Coring resumed at 399.0 mbsf and Cores U1417E-7R and ‑8R have been recovered. Core U1417E-8R is in diatom zone NPD 7Bb (late Miocene–early Pliocene).

Cores U1417E-2R to ‑5R were split and described. The lithology consists of intervals of diamict interspersed with bioturbated muds. Geochemical analyses of Hole U1417D are being finalized. Interstitial water and headspace samples resumed in Hole U1417E at Core 7R.

Daily Science Report for 16 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417E (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5993′W, 4188.6 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The drill pipe cleared the sea floor at 1430 h, ending Hole U1417D. The ship was offset by 20 m and the RCB BHA was assembled. Hole U1417E was initiated in the early morning of 17 June. Presently, we are drilling down to ~265 mbsf where interval coring will begin.

The science party spent the last day analyzing data, working on site reports, and creating figures. The paleomagnetic data continues to be refined and foraminifera were found at the base of Hole U1417D. The Site U1417 splice and composite depths are finished. Below ~250 m there is a change in the interstitial water chemistry and the alteration of ashes is no longer observed.

Daily Science Report for 15 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417D (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5973′W, 4187.0 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Coring in Hole U1417D continued to U1417D-59X (421.8 mbsf). During the coring of this interval, the cutting structure of the XCB shoe sheared off in the hole. In an attempt to retrieve the metal pieces in the hole, coring continued to U1417D-65X. Early morning of 16 June the decision was made to abandon Hole U1417D. Presently, the drill pipe is being tripped and the plan for Hole U1417E is to wash down, with interval coring as needed, to ~400 mbsf and RCB core to the target depth of ~780 mbsf. Downhole logging will follow these operations.

Hole U1417D was cored to a depth of 470.3 mbsf and 304.42 m of core was recovered (65%). All of the cores from Hole U1417D have been split and described. Cores U1417D-52X to ‑65X contain green to grayish green diatom oozes, gray mud, and cm-scale beds of poorly sorted pebbly sand. The poorly sorted beds are interpreted as mass transport deposits. Cores from the bottom of Hole U1417D are currently being re-run for paleomagnetics at higher demagnetization steps to “clean up” the signal. Sediments from Core U1417D-58X are in the S. pylomaticus radiolarian zone (4.4–5.3 Ma). Cores U1417D-59X to ‑65X were barren or nearly barren of microfossils. Between Cores U1417D-59X and ‑62X the headspace methane concentrations increased sharply to ~450 ppm.

Daily Science Report for 14 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417D (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5973′W, 4187.0 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: In the past day, Cores U1417D-47X to ‑57X (305.4–412.1 mbsf) were drilled and recovered. Cores U1417D-32H to ‑51X (203.9–353.9 mbsf) have been split and described, with new lithologic facies encountered. The sediments of these cores are a dark greenish-gray or brown mud, diamicts, and sand beds. Large mud clasts within sand beds have been observed and bioturbation is high in the mud intervals. There is evidence suggesting mass transport events. The retrieved material is of excellent quality for XCB coring. New paleomagnetic and biostratigraphic datums indicate the age of the sediments is Pliocene. The Matuyama/​Gauss paleomagnetic boundary (2.58 Ma) is observed in Core U1417D-45X and Core U1417D-52X is in diatom zone NPD8 (3.4–4.1 Ma).

Daily Science Report for 13 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417D (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5973′W, 4187.0 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: APC coring was switched over to the XCB coring system at 223.9 mbsf (Core U1417D-38X). Currently, coring operations are at 305.4 mbsf and Cores U1417D-38X through 46X have been recovered.

Cores U1417D-14H to ‑31H have been split and described. The lithology of the sediments is a dark gray to green mud with ash layers, intervals of siliceous ooze, and clasts. Some cores contain sandy beds, which are interpreted to be turbidites. The abundance of microfossils is low, but the initial biostratigraphy indicates that the sediments are likely between 2–3 Ma. Geochemical results thus far are consistent with an oligotrophic, deep-water setting and high contributions of inorganic N are observed. The paleomagnetic stratigraphy and the Site U1417 depth splice are continuing to be refined.

Daily Science Report for 12 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417D (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5973′W, 4187.0 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1417D-17H to ‑37H (138.3–223.9 mbsf) were recovered from Hole U1417D. Coring switched from using the full-stroke APC to the half-stroke APC at Core U1417D-19H (156.9 mbsf).

Cores U1417C-25H to ‑29H and Cores U1417D-1H to ‑13H were split and described. The base of Hole U1417C is barren of microfossils and consists of dark gray to greenish gray mud with interbedded silt. Ash beds and clasts are present. Cores U1417D-1H to ‑13H are dark gray mud with intervals of diatom ooze, ash beds, and clasts.

Daily Science Report for 11 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417D (56°57.5896′N, 147°6.5973′W, 4187.0 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Hole U1417D was spudded at 1155 h. Thus far, Cores U1417D-1H to ‑16H (0–138.28 mbsf) have been retrieved. Drilling with stratigraphic correlation has been very successful in Hole U1417D, with coring gaps and important magnetic reversal boundaries recovered.

Cores U1417C-13H to ‑24H (103.55–206.23 mbsf) consist of dark gray to green mud with coarser intervals and layers of diatom ooze, ash beds, and clasts. Initial diatom and radiolarian biostratigraphy suggests that these cores are between ~1.1 and ~2.0 Ma in age. The benthic foraminifera assemblage in Sample U1417C-10H-CC is indicative of disoxic bottom water conditions. The paleomagnetic stratigraphy is being refined with each hole.

Daily Science Report for 10 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417C (56°57.5888′N, 147°6.5769′W, 4188.1 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Hole U1417C was cored to APC refusal, which occurred at Core U1417C-29H (226.00 mbsf), and 216.83 m of core was recovered (96%). The full APC coring system was switched to 1/2 APC at Core U1417C-26H (213.8 mbsf). The drill pipe cleared the seafloor at 0725 h on 11 June, ending Hole U1417C. The ship has been offset 20 m and Hole U1417D will be spudded late morning of 11 June.

Cores U1417C-2H to 12H were split and described. The lithology of these cores is a dark gray mud with intervals of diatom oozes, ash beds, and large clasts. Also observed are intervals with calcareous fossils. Core U1417-12H is within diatom zone NPD11 (0.3–1.1 Ma). Hole U1417C is barren of siliceous microfossils from Core U1417-26H to the base of the hole. Ion chromatograph measurements on interstitial water samples from Hole U1417A have been completed as well as the stratigraphic correlation of Holes U1417A, U1417B, and U1417C.

Daily Science Report for 9 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417C (56°57.5888′N, 147°6.5769′W, 4188.1 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Drilling in Hole U1417B continued with Cores U1417B-45X to ‑47X (329.7–350.21 mbsf) recovered. Hole U1417B was terminated at 1645 h and the ship was offset 20 m. Hole U1417C was spudded at 1950 h and APC coring with orientation was initiated. Cores U1417C-2H to ‑12H (1.0–103.27 mbsf) have been retrieved as of 0800 h on 10 June.

The lithology of Hole U1417B transitioned from dark gray mud with intervals of diamict in Core U1417B-39X (271.5 mbsf) to a green to dark green biosiliceous mud with bioturbation to the base of the hole at the bottom of Core U1417B-47X (350.21 mbsf). The radiolarian and diatom biostratigraphy suggests that the base of Hole U1417B is ~3 Ma. The Olduvai magnetic reversal probably has been identified in Hole U1417B and the XCB cores have a good magnetic signal with dual polarity. Stratigraphic correlation between Holes U1417A, U1417B, and U1417C is in progress and the physical property measurements of the holes match well. The geochemical analyses for Hole U1417A are almost complete and sampling for interstitial waters and carbonate content will resume for Hole U1417C.

Daily Science Report for 8 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417B (56°57.5999′N, 147°6.5781′W, 4185.2 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1417B-33H to -44X (222.2–329.7 mbsf) were recovered in Hole U1417B. The 1/2 APC coring system was switched to XCB coring at Core U1417B-34X (223.4 mbsf). Core recovery was 101% using the 1/2 APC. Based upon radiolarian biostratigraphy, Core U1417B-43X is between 2.6–2.8 Ma (late Pliocene). In the next 24 hours, drilling in Hole U1417B will continue to ~375 mbsf at which point the hole will be terminated and we will initiate coring in U1417C.

Two new additional lithologic facies were described from Cores U1417B-17H to -38X. The first is interbedded muds with sand. The sand intervals are interpreted to be turbidites. The second facies consists of a dark gray mud with intervals of diamict and bioturbation.

Several of the core catchers from these cores are barren of microfossils. Core U1417B-36X is in diatom zone NPD 9 (2.0–2.6 Ma), dating these sediments to the late Pliestocene. The Brunhes/​Matuyama and Jaramillo reversals are observed in Hole U1417B, although the boundaries of the reversals do not appear to have been recovered. However, the 1/2 APC cores are of good quality for paleomagnetic studies. The stratigraphic correlators have assembled a preliminary composite depth scale for Holes U1417A and U1417B and an age model based upon biostratigraphic and paleomagnetic datums.

Daily Science Report for 7 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417B (56°57.5999′N, 147°6.5781′W, 4185.2 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Coring in Hole U1417B continued with Cores 15H through 33H (124.1–223.4 mbsf) being recovered. The full APC coring system was switched over to the 1/2 APC system in Core U1417B-21H. Core U1417B-33H is barren of microfossils, but diatom biostratigraphy indicates that Core U1417B-29H is between 2.0–2.6 Ma (diatom zone NPD 9).

The lithology of Cores U1417B-1H through 16H (0–143.1 mbsf) is the same as what was observed in Hole U1417A and is divided into two facies. The first is a dark gray mud with thin ash beds, clasts, and turbidite layers. The second facies is mottled mud with color varying from brown to gray to green. Within this facies are intervals of diatom oozes, increased bioturbation, ash beds, and clasts. The number and size of the clasts varies throughout the hole.

The abundance of microfossils in these cores varies from abundant to barren. There are diatom-rich intervals present and an interval with abundant foraminifera was found in Core U1417B-10H.

A clear diagenetic profile of sulfate and ammonium is observed in the upper 30 m of Hole U1417A and the cores have very low gas concentrations.

Daily Science Report for 6 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417B (56°57.5999′N, 147°6.5781′W, 4185.2 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1417A-21H and -22H (158.4–168.0 mbsf) were cored using a half-stroke APC coring system. At 0935 h, the drill pipe was pulled out of the seafloor, ending Hole U1417A. The ship was offset by 20 m and Hole U1417B was initiated at 1215 h. Cores U1417B-1H to -14H (0–124.1 mbsf) have been retrieved with 99% recovery.

Cores U1417A-8H through 22H (54.50–168.0 mbsf) consist of two distinct lithologic facies. The first is a dark gray mud with thin ash beds, dropstones, and turbidite layers. The second facies is mottled mud with color varying from brown to gray to green. Within this facies are intervals of diatom oozes, increased bioturbation, ash beds, and dropstones. The radiolarian and diatom datums indicate that the base of Hole U1417A is between 1.5–1.8 Ma. The presence of siliceous microfossils is highly variable, ranging from abundant to barren. The Brunhes/​Matuyama magnetic reversal at 0.781 Ma was recovered in Core U1417A-14H and the top of the Jaramillo interval (0.988 Ma) is located in Core U1417A-17H.

Daily Science Report for 5 June 2013

LOCATION: Hole U1417A (56°57.5996′N, 147°6.5985′W, 4187.7 m water depth)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1417A-1H through -20H were retrieved from 0 to 158.4 mbsf with 158.09 m recovered (100%). The major lithology of Cores U1417A-1H through -7H is dark gray mud that contains terrigenous material and dropstones. Within these cores are intervals of diatomaceous oozes and both bedded and reworked ash layers. Based upon diatom and radiolarian biostratigraphy, Cores U1417A-1H to -7H were deposited in the last 300 kyr.

Daily Science Report for 4 June 2013

LOCATION: Site U1417

SCIENCE UPDATE: The ship arrived at Site U1417 at ~1045 h on 4 June.

A pre-site meeting was held to discuss the geologic background and objectives of Site U1417 and give an overview of drilling operations. Lab groups continued to finalize the methods sections for the expedition report.

Hole U1417A was spudded at 0315 h on 5 June. As of 0800 h, Cores U1417A-1H through 4H have been retrieved. Initial biostratigraphy indicates the sediments are modern–late Pleistocene in age.

Daily Science Report for 3 June 2013

LOCATION: In transit to first Site U1417 (GOA18-2A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The science party continued preparing the labs in anticipation for the first core on deck. Members of the science party were trained to use the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and how to use SampleMaster and collect samples from the cores. The Operations Manager conducted two ship tours for interested scientists. The pre-spud meeting was held in the afternoon and was attended by the chief scientists, EPM, logging staff scientists, stratigraphic correlators, Operations Superintendent, drillers, tool pushers, and the ship’s Captain. Presently, the lab teams are revising and finalizing the methods sections for the expedition reports. The ship is estimated to arrive onsite 4 June at 1100 h and the first core on deck is expected in the early morning of 5 June.

Daily Science Report for 2 June 2013

LOCATION: In transit to first Site U1417 (GOA18-2A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The scientists spent the majority of the day working in the labs and testing equipment. The lab groups are finalizing their laboratory procedures, which will be documented as “methods” in the expedition reports. The science party was given brief presentations on publications procedures, IODP depth scales, and planned education and outreach activities. The ship is estimated to arrive at Site U1417 at 1100 h on 4 June.

Daily Science Report for 1 June 2013

LOCATION: In transit to Site U1417 (GOA18-2A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The scientists met to discuss research plans and converged on a sampling plan for shipboard analyses. The science party was given presentations on drilling operations, wireline logging, and curation and sampling. Lab groups then continued to familiarize themselves with the labs and learn how to use equipment. The first lifeboat drill was held in the morning. The ship is estimated to arrive onsite 4 June at 1500 h.