IODP Expedition 375
Hikurangi Subduction Margin
Daily Science Report for 31 March 2018
Location:
• Hole U1520C (38°58.1532′S, 178°7.9112′E, water depth 3522 m; proposed Site HSM-05A)
• Hole U1518H (38°51.5470′S, 178°53.7642′E, water depth 2631 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: The drill string was recovered from Hole U1520C, and at 1310 h we departed for Site U1518. The thrusters were fully deployed at Hole U1518H by 1540 h and we started assembling the 412 m long CORK-II 4½ inch casing string that will be deployed inside the ACORK installed earlier in the expedition.
The scientists continued working on the Site U1518 reports.
Daily Science Report for 30 March 2018
Location: Hole U1520C (38°58.1532′S, 178°7.9112′E, water depth 3522 m; proposed Site HSM-05A)
Science Results: We continued drilling in the reentry system at Hole U1520C for most of the day. The bit reached a total depth of 646 m with the casing shoe at 642 m. This operation took ~27 h. Once the casing was released at 2230 h, we retrieved the subsea camera and prepared to recover the drill string. The next step will be to return to Site U1518 to complete the observatory installation.
Science seminars were presented on temperature results from the JFAST observatory installed after the Tohoku earthquake and geochemistry and pressure results from observatories installed at Costa Rica. The scientists continued working on the Site U1518 reports.
Daily Science Report for 29 March 2018
Location: Hole U1520C (38°58.1532′S, 178°7.9112′E, water depth 3522 m; proposed Site HSM-05A)
Science Results: The assembled 10¾ inch casing string was secured in the moonpool at 0130 h with the hydraulic release tool (HRT). Next, we assembled the drilling assembly that will be used to drill in the reentry system at Hole U1520C. The drilling assembly is composed of a 9⅞ inch drill bit, an underreamer, and a mud motor to rotate the bit and underreamer in isolation from the casing. The underreamer arms were tested and the drilling assembly was completed and landed inside the casing by 0500 h. The drilling assembly and HRT were connected to the casing and mud skirt by 0730 h, and the reentry funnel was assembled and welded by 1030 h. The moonpool doors were opened and the reentry system was lowered to the seafloor, until the bit reached 3499 m below rig floor at 1730 h. The subsea camera was also deployed to monitor the reentry cone and base during drilling operations. Hole U1520C was started at 1940 h, and the bit had reached 186 m by midnight. While the reentry system was lowered to the seafloor, the R/V Tangaroa arrived at 1615 h to deliver the correct seals needed for the CORK-II installation.
Science seminars were presented on Hikurangi seafloor geodesy and Nankai observatory pressure data, and the scientists continued working on the Site U1518 reports.
Daily Science Report for 28 March 2018
Location: Site U1520 (38°58.1253′S, 179°7.9040′E, water depth 3531 m; proposed Site HSM-05A)
Science Results: We continued recovering the drill string at Hole U1518H, and the running tool used to install the bridge plug in the ACORK 10¾ inch casing reached the rig floor at 0010 h. At 0048 h, we departed for Site U1520 where LWD data had been previously collected during Expedition 372. Our initial objective at this site is to install a reentry system to 642 m to facilitate deep coring. After arriving at Site U1520 (0257 h), we started fabricating the base of the reentry cone, which was completed and moved to the moonpool at 0630 h. Then we assembled the hydraulic release tool (HRT) that will be needed to deploy the reentry system and set it in the derrick at 0900 h. Finally, we completed the casing string by assembling and welding together 54 joints of 10¾ inch casing and a casing shoe.
The science party completed their Site U1518 meetings with the geochemistry results and more discussion on the integration of core, LWD, and seismic data.
Daily Science Report for 27 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518H (38°51.5470′S, 178°53.7642′E, water depth 2631 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: After the drill bit was raised from the seafloor at 0305 h, a bottom-hole assembly was made up with a bridge plug to seal the bottom of the ACORK installation at Hole U1518H. The drill string was lowered to the seafloor between 0430 and 1215 h. The subsea camera was deployed to the seafloor and Hole U1518H was reentered at 1400 h. The end of the drill string was positioned at 421 m inside the ACORK casing at 1730 h and the bridge plug was activated until the packer was set at 1845 h. The drill string cleared the seafloor at 2015 h and continued to be pulled to the surface for the remainder of the day.
In preparation to install the CORK-II stage of the observatory, we had ordered a replacement seal to be sent to the vessel. Because we were not able to receive it in time, we decided to move to Site U1520 (proposed Site HSM-05A) to install the reentry system needed for coring, then return to Site U1518 to complete the observatory installation. To assist with preparations, the scientists provided the position of Hole U1520C to the crew and discussed the casing depth of the reentry system (Holes U1520A and U1520B were drilled during Expedition 372).
The science party held a meeting to discuss the paleomagnetism, physical properties, and core-log-seismic integration results from Site U1518.
Daily Science Report for 26 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518H (38°51.5470′S, 178°53.7642′E, water depth 2631 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: We continued recovering the drill string with the bit clearing the rig floor at 0305 h. Next, we wanted to check the ACORK casing for cuttings and inspect the ROV platform and funnel deployed yesterday. A drilling assembly was made up with a 9⅞ inch drill bit, which reached the seafloor at 1015 h. The subsea camera was deployed, the wellhead was inspected between 1200 h and 1330 h, and Hole U1518H was reentered at 1335 h. Upon reentry, the hole was discovered to be almost full of cuttings. We spent the next ~8 h cleaning the cuttings out of the casing to prepare it for installing a bridge plug and CORK-II system. After the hole was swept with mud, we started pulling the drill bit to the surface.
The science party held a meeting to discuss the lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and structural geology results from Holes U1518E and U1518F.
Daily Science Report for 25 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518H (38°51.5470′S, 178°53.7642′E, water depth 2631 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: Drilling of the ACORK wellhead and casing in Hole U1518H continued until 0715 h, reaching 427 m. Τhe ACORK landed in the reentry cone and was released from the running tool but it took several attempts to pull the underreamer and bit back into the casing, with the drilling assembly finally becoming free at 1040 h. The subsea camera was recovered so that the ROV platform could be deployed. The platform was assembled around the drill string in the moonpool and released at 1200 h. When the subsea camera was redeployed, it showed that the platform landed at an angle. The subsea camera was retrieved so that the second, ACORK funnel could be deployed. The funnel was released and the subsea camera was redeployed, showing that it had landed correctly. After the subsea camera was retrieved, we started recovering the drill string with the bit clearing the seafloor at 2000 h.
A meeting was held to discuss the handling procedures and detailed deployment plan of the CORK-II instrument string that will be inserted into the ACORK. Scientists are continuing Site U1518 core measurements and preparing for science meetings scheduled for this week.
Daily Science Report for 24 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518H (38°51.5470′S, 178°53.7642′E, water depth 2631 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: We continued working on the first stage of the observatory (ACORK) that will be installed at Site U1518. After connections were completed on the wellhead at 0400 h, the wellhead was submerged briefly with the valves in the open position to purge the lines of air, and the wellhead was brought back to the surface to set the valves to their deployment (closed) position. The wellhead was submerged for the last time at 0510 h and the entire assembly with the HRT running tool, wellhead, ACORK casing and umbilicals, and drilling assembly was lowered to the seafloor between 0615 and 1030 h. The subsea camera was then lowered to the seafloor to assist with the reentry of Hole U1518G. During the reentry attempt that started at 1215 h, unexpected heave caused the bit to hit the reentry cone, resulting in the cone being offset from the hole and making reentry into the preexisting hole impossible. At 1245 h, we started drilling through the reentry cone into seafloor with the underreamer and drill bit, establishing Hole U1518H at a distance of ~5 m from Hole U1518G. Drilling continued until midnight, at which point the bit had reached 257 m.
Scientists are continuing Site U1518 measurements and preparing for two science meetings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
Daily Science Report for 23 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518G (38°51.5505′S, 178°53.7617′E, water depth 2630 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: We continued working on the first stage of the observatory (ACORK) that will be installed at Hole U1458G. As the 10¾ inch casing string was assembled from the bottom up, the umbilical was connected first to the bottom 2 m screen, then to the 8 m screen wrapped around a perforated joint of casing, and finally to the top 2 m screen. When the ACORK lands on the seafloor, these screens will be positioned at 393, 323, and 218 m, respectively, to capture pressure fluctuations from below the fault, the fault zone, and above the fault. The 422 m long casing string was completed at 1700 h and landed in the moonpool. Next, we started assembling the drilling assembly that will be used to help get the casing into the predrilled hole. The drilling assembly is composed of a 9⅞ inch drill bit, an underreamer to clear any obstacles in the predrilled hole, and a mud motor to rotate the bit and underreamer in isolation from the ACORK casing. The underreamer arms were tested at 1915 h and the drilling assembly was completed and landed inside the casing by 2130 h. The rest of the day was spent landing the ACORK wellhead on the casing/drilling assembly with the HRT running tool and connecting the pressure umbilical strapped on the outside of the ACORK casing to the valves and loggers located on the wellhead.
Cores U1518F-28R to 32R consist of alternating siltstone and mudstone with a decreasing occurrence of disturbed mud clasts. Silt laminae are seen at biscuit contacts, suggesting that they were perhaps thicker in situ but were not recovered fully by the coring process. Bioturbation varies from slight to moderate.
Daily Science Report for 22 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518G (38°51.5505′S, 178°53.7617′E, water depth 2630 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: We continued drilling Hole U1458G for the observatory deployment, reaching a total depth of 433 m at 0230 h. A 40-barrel mud sweep was circulated to clean the hole of cuttings, and the bit was raised to 53 m below the seafloor. At 0430 h, the reentry cone and its base were released from the moonpool and allowed to fall to the seafloor, and the subsea camera was deployed to check that the reentry cone had landed properly. We pulled the drill string out of the hole at 0615 h and tagged the top of the reentry cone so we could establish the depth of the seafloor. With this new information, the scientists made a final adjustment to the depth of the observatory’s middle screen that will span the fault zone. The subsea camera was brought to the surface at 0745 h and we continued to recover the drill string until the bit cleared the rig floor at 1320 h. The next several hours were spent connecting the observatory wellhead to the hydraulic release tool (HRT) and securing them high in the derrick. At 2000 h, we started assembling the ACORK casing string. Its primary components are 32 joints of 10¾ inch casing, three casing joints with screens (2 m tall top and bottom screens; 8 m tall middle screen) for pressure measurements, and an umbilical secured on the outside of the casing that will connect the three screens to pressure loggers attached on the wellhead.
Cores U1518F-21R to 22R consist of alternating silty-claystone with nannofossils and muddy ooze, with minor volcaniclastic sandy siltstone with nannofossils. The primary sedimentary structures are often obscured by tectonic- and drilling-deformation or strong bioturbation. Where preserved, very thin beds and laminae show planar lamination. Cores 23R to 27R consist of alternating siltstone and mudstone. One distinctive feature of the sediments are mixed bands with different colors or dispersed mud chips.
Daily Science Report for 21 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518G (38°51.5505′S, 178°53.7617′E, water depth 2637 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: We continued drilling Hole U1458G for the observatory deployment, and by midnight the bit had reached 389.3 m.
Cores U1518F-13R to 15R consist of alternating siltstone and claystone that has undergone extensive tectonic- and drilling-induced deformation. Erosional bases and cross lamination were observed. Below Core 15R, we observe alternating volcaniclastic silt and nannofossil-rich clay beds with lamination and bedding at widely varying dips as well as moderate to strong bioturbation.
Daily Science Report for 20 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518G (38°51.5505′S, 178°53.7617′E, water depth 2637 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: Drilling of the observatory hole continued throughout the day. The drill string with a 14.75 inch drilling bit was lowered to the seafloor and Hole U1518G was started at 1050 h. Hole U1518G was positioned 5 m south of Hole U1518B based on the fault depths indicated by the logging-while-drilling data collected during Expedition 372 and the core data collected during Expedition 375. By midnight, drilling had reached 168.8 m. Once the hole reaches 430 m, we will deploy a reentry cone and base.
Activities slowed down in the Core Laboratory to allow us to more fully describe and sample the cores spanning the fault zone recovered in Hole U1518F. First, the sedimentology and structural geology teams described the cores and presented their findings to the entire science party during the noon crossover. Then, scientists flagged personal samples and the Co-Chief Scientists, Curator, and Expedition Project Manager approved the samples. After the IODP JRSO technical staff had collected the samples, the structural geology team added a few details to their descriptions, the physical properties team made a few compressional wave measurements, and several small samples were collected to refine the calcareous nannofossil ages of the sediment.
Observatory scientists and IODP JRSO engineers continued with observatory planning. The lengths of various instrument string components (such as sinker bars and weak links) were measured so that the total length of the instrument string can be determined. Based on the depth of the fault zone, we refined the depths of the three casing joints with pressure screens (including the middle screen that will span the fault) and the total depth of the observatory.
Daily Science Report for 19 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518F (38°51.5694′S, 178°53.7619′E, water depth 2626 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: We continued coring in Hole U1518F. Cores U1518F-21R to 32R penetrated from 380.0 to 494.9 m and recovered 59.61 m (52%). We stopped coring at 1900 h so we could start the first drilling stage for installing the observatory before the weather deteriorates. The crew started raising the drill string, which had reached 3073 m below rig floor by midnight. Our first step to prepare for installing the observatory will be to drill a 14.75 inch hole to 420 m.
Cores 6R to 12R consist of alternating siltstone and claystone. Some thin (millimeter-scale) laminae are visible in silt intervals. Occasionally these intervals show laminar and cross lamination, normal and inverse grading, erosional bases, as well as vertical bedding/lamination, although deformation (either tectonic or drilling) often obscures the primary sedimentary structures. Planktic foraminifers show a change in age between Samples U1518F-13R-CC and 14R-CC, from older Pleistocene ages in the overlying section to younger Pleistocene ages in the underlying section. Refinement of calcareous nannofossil ages is ongoing.
Observatory scientists and IODP JRSO engineers continued with observatory planning.
Daily Science Report for 18 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518F (38°51.5694′S, 178°53.7619′E, water depth 2626 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: Coring continued throughout the day. Cores U1518F-8R to 20R were taken from 255.2 to 380.0 mbsf with 46.64 m recovered (37% recovery).
Cores U1518E-23F to 32X (~175 mbsf) consist of silty sand layers with moderate sorting and parallel laminations alternating with silty clay layers, and they show stronger drilling disturbance. Cores U1518F-2R to 5R have the same lithology but show an increase in tectonic deformation features. Calcareous nannofossils in Cores U1518F-12R and 13R indicate a mid- to late Pleistocene age. Planktonic foraminifers support the calcareous nannofossil ages and place the drilled sequence in the Pleistocene (<2.17 Ma) down to Core 18R.
Observatory scientists and IODP JRSO engineers continued with observatory planning.
Daily Science Report for 17 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518F (38°51.5694′S, 178°53.7619′E, water depth 2626 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: We continued to lower the drill string, reaching the seafloor at 0115 h. Hole U1518F was spudded at 0125 h and was drilled without coring down to 197.7 m below seafloor (mbsf). Cores U1518F-2R to 7R were taken from 197.7 to 255.2 mbsf with 20.18 m recovered (35%).
Cores U1518E-19F to 22F consist of alternating silt and clay layers that contain nannofossils and are partly obscured by drilling disturbance. From Core 23F down to Core 29X, the intervals of alternating beds get wider and volcaniclastic components increase in the coarser beds, although observations are limited by higher core disturbance. Calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifers in Cores U1518F-2R through 9R indicate that the sediments are Pleistocene in age.
Observatory scientists and IODP JRSO engineers continued with observatory planning.
Daily Science Report for 16 March 2018
Location: Site U1518 (38°51.5691′S, 178°53.7615′E; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: Coring continued until mid-morning. Cores U1518E-29X to 32X were taken from 152.8 to 175.5 m below seafloor with 17.18 m recovered (75%). Overall recovery at Hole U1518E was 92%. As a result of the slow advancement, the decision was made at 1000 h to pull out of Hole U1518E, change the bottom-hole assembly (BHA) from APC/XCB to RCB coring, and start a new hole. Hole U1518E officially ended at 1535 h, when the bit cleared the rig floor. After the new BHA had been assembled, the drill string was lowered to the seafloor and the bit had reached 2034 m below rig floor by midnight. In preparation for starting Hole U1518F, the vessel was offset 5 m due south. Observatory scientists and IODP JRSO engineers continued with observatory planning.
Cores 7H–18H consist of nannofossil-rich silty layers with moderate sorting and normal grading, alternating with silty clay layers containing rare silt pods, carbonate, and ash blebs. Often strong drilling disturbance prevents indication of sediment structures. Sparse foraminifers and calcareous nannofossils indicate a Pleistocene age (<2.17 Ma) down to the bottom of Hole U1518E. Reworking of Pliocene–Miocene foraminifers and nannofossils also increases towards the base of the hole.
The Operations Superintendent gave presentations to both scientist shifts on the planned coring and observatory operations and the various coring and formation measurement tools we use on the ship.
Daily Science Report for 15 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518E (38°51.5669′S, 178°53.7618′E, water depth 2626 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: Coring continued throughout the day. Cores U1518E-10H (APC coring), 11F–25F (half-length APC coring [HLAPC]), and 26X–28X (XCB coring) were taken from 61.7 to 152.8 m below seafloor with 83.66 m recovered (92%). All APC/HLAPC cores experienced partial strokes, slowing down advancement. APCT-3 formation temperature measurements were taken with Cores 10H and 14F. APC cores were oriented with the IceField tool. Observatory scientists and IODP JRSO engineers continued with observatory planning.
The lithology of Cores 2H–6H consists of alternating silty sand/silty clay layers and some centimeter-scaled interbedded ash layers. A ~1 m thick tephra layer was encountered in the upper part of Core 5H. Drilling disturbance increased downhole. Calcareous nannofossils and foraminifers still indicate Pleistocene age, with occasional Pliocene/Miocene reworking.
The Expedition Project Manager (EPM) gave a talk on IODP depth scales, database tools, and report requirements. Personal sampling started in the morning with assistance from the Curator, EPM, and Assistant Laboratory Officers.
Daily Science Report for 14 March 2018
Location: Hole U1518E (38°51.5669′S, 178°53.7618′E, water depth 2626 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: The drill string was assembled overnight and had reached 2606 m below rig floor by 0800 h. A “pig” (a high-density foam plug with metal bristles) was run into the pipe to clean it of rust, and Hole U1518C was spudded at 0905 h (Holes U1518A and U1518B were drilled during Expedition 372 for logging-while-drilling [LWD] measurements). Because the first core was a partial stroke and the seafloor depth reference could not be established, Hole U1518D was spudded at 1020 h. The first core came back full, missing the mudline, which also made it impossible to establish a seafloor depth reference. As a result, the ship was offset 5 m to the North, the drill string was raised 3 m, and Hole U1518E was spudded at 1125 h. Cores U1518E-1H to 9H were taken from 0 to 61.7 m with 60.65 m recovered (98%). Cores 3H–9H experienced partial strokes, slowing down the advancement of the drill string. APCT-3 formation temperature measurements were taken with Cores 4H, 6H, and 8H. All cores were oriented with the IceField tool. IODP JRSO engineers completed the observatory wellhead connections and pressure tested them.
Core U1518E-1H is composed of alternating silty sand and silty clay layers. The silty sand layers start at 1.5 m below seafloor and show normal grading, whereas the silty clayey background sediment is rich in nannofossils. Four ash pods/layers were observed in the first core. Calcareous nannofossils and planktic foraminifers in Cores 1H through 12H indicate that the sediments are Pleistocene in age.
Phil Barnes presented a seminar on the background geology of Site U1518 and the LWD data collected during Expedition 372. The personal research sampling plan was finalized in preparation for sampling.
Daily Science Report for 13 March 2018
Location: Site U1518 (38°51.5691′S, 178°53.7615′E, water depth 2635 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: The JOIDES Resolution completed the 366 nmi transit and arrived at Site U1518 at 1900 h. The thrusters were lowered and the ship was in full dynamic positioning mode by 1935 h. The crew spent the rest of the day assembling the Advanced Piston Corer/Extended Core Barrel (APC/XCB) bottom-hole assembly. Operations at this site include coring to 600 m below seafloor and installing an observatory to 450 m that will collect temperature and pressure data and sample fluids.
During the midday shift crossover, four additional research groups (Structural geology, Gas hydrates, Thermal processes, and Chronology) met to start coordinating their postcruise research activities. The Co-Chief Scientists, Expedition Project Manager, and Curator circulated a draft of the personal sampling plan to give the science party an opportunity to make final corrections. Both science shifts received sampling training and an introduction to the SampleMaster software. The science party provided initial depth targets to Siem Offshore personnel for the screened observatory interval and two additional pressure screens, which will be finalized based on core measurements.
Daily Science Report for 12 March 2018
Location: In transit to Hole U1518B (38°51.5476′S, 178°53.7621′E, water depth 2635 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: The JOIDES Resolution completed 194 nmi of the 366 nmi transit to Site U1518 at an average speed of 8 kt. IODP JRSO, Siem Offshore, and Schlumberger staff, the Co-Chief Scientists, and two additional scientists met to discuss coring and observatory operations at Site U1518. During the midday shift crossover, four research groups (Tectonic evolution of the Hikurangi Margin and sediment transport; Rock strength, geomechanics, and stress; Friction; Fluid flow and hydrological processes) met to start coordinating their postcruise research activities. The Co-Chief Scientists, Expedition Project Manager, and Curator continued refining the personal sampling plans of Expedition 372 and 375 scientists and shore-based investigators. IODP JRSO engineering staff continued working on the observatory wellhead and Siem Offshore crew finished assembling the hydraulic release tool (HRT) that will be used at Site U1518. We expect to arrive at Site U1518 on March 13 around 2000 h.
Daily Science Report for 11 March 2018
Location: In transit to Hole U1518B (38°51.5476′S, 178°53.7621′E, water depth 2635 m; proposed Site HSM-15A)
Science Results: In the early hours of the morning, the osmosampler assembly that will be deployed at the Site U1518 Observatory was raised vertically and secured on one side of the rig floor. The 366 nmi transit to Hole U1518B began at 0718 h. After enjoying the early morning departure, all laboratory teams started becoming familiar with the instruments and protocols in each laboratory. The Outreach Officers presented their goals for the expedition. The Sample Allocation Committee (SAC) met to go over all personal sample requests in detail and to identify research plans that needed clarification. In addition, the SAC identified eight research groups that will continue to refine postcruise research activities based on common interests. In parallel with science activities, IODP JRSO engineering staff started working on the observatory wellhead pressure circuit and Siem Offshore crew started assembling the hydraulic release tool (HRT) that will be used at Site U1518.
Daily Science Report for 10 March 2018
Location: Berth 2N, Port of Timaru, New Zealand
Science Results: The science party continued their orientations with science presentations on slow slip events along the Hikurangi margin and the logging-while-drilling operations completed during Expedition 372, core flow and sampling procedures, and Siem Offshore’s vessel safety orientation. In the afternoon scientists presented their research goals and were then released to get last minute supplies from shore. The assembly of the osmosamplers was completed late in the day with assistance from IODP JRSO technicians and Siem Offshore crew. One tour was conducted for a reporter from Channel TV3 and two students and their teacher from Gisborne Boys High who won a competition to name the Site U1518 Observatory. The winning entry “Te Matakite” (in Maori) can be interpreted as “See into the future.” Additional tours were conducted for ~35 students from the University of Otago.
Daily Science Report for 9 March 2018
Location: Berth 2N, Port of Timaru, New Zealand
Science Results: The Expedition 375 Scientists and Siem Offshore/Entier crew boarded the vessel. The science party represents institutions from Brazil, P.R. China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, UK, and USA. The scientists received orientations on what we need to produce on board and how we are going to accomplish it, life at sea, laboratory safety, and the ship’s computing resources. Air freight was received late in the day.
Daily Science Report for 8 March 2018
Location:
• In transit to Timaru, New Zealand
• Berth 2N, Port of Timaru, New Zealand
Science Results: The 138 nmi transit to Timaru, New Zealand, was completed in 17.5 h at an average speed of 7.6 kt. Expedition 374 officially ended with the first line ashore at Berth 2N, Port of Timaru, at 0848 h.
IODP Hikurangi Subduction Margin Expedition 375 began at 0848 h on March 8 in Timaru, New Zealand. The Co-Chief Scientists, Expedition Project Manager (EPM), and two additional members of the science party as well as the IODP JRSO technical staff boarded the vessel around 1100 h. The technical staff completed crossover activities and started organizing their laboratories. Scientists started working on the osmosampler assembly that will be deployed at the Site U1518 observatory (proposed Site HSM-15A). The Co-Chief Scientists and EPM settled into their offices and started organizing activities for the port call, which is expected to last only ~3 d as most freight offloading and loading activities were completed by the previous crew at the Port of Lyttelton.