Daily Report
Back to Expedition
Exp.338 Daily Report

January

1.12, 2013
Day:104

Location at 2400: Shimizu port: 35°02’N, 138°31’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

The vessel started to approach to Shimizu port in the dawn. It was the day before the end of our expedition. All the scientists kept working very hard for writing reports and measurements up to the last moment, and submitted their reports by the final due date, and then, finally stepped down the gangway to the quayside to get refresh.

1.11, 2013
Day:103

Location at 2400: Transit to Shimizu: 34°47’N, 138°31’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Our final day at sea was spent finishing reports for all of our sites. The weather was nice enough to allow the scientists to watch the coast line passing by from the helideck. The highlight was watching the sunset to the west while catching the first view of Mt. Fuji in the east.

1.10, 2013
Day:102

Location at 2400: Shingu Anchorage point 33°41’N, 136°02’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

During the morning the SD-RCB test was completed and the ship started the transit to the Shingu port area. After arrival in the mid-afternoon, unloading of the HUGE guide horn and various other containers was started. Today was spent by the science party working very hard to finish Site reports for all of our coring/logging operations. Report writing was made more difficult in the afternoon when we reached Shingu, but had to stay just outside the port for unloading. A special "watch" was assigned to keep tabs on one of our structural geologists -- we were afraid he might try to swim ashore for a quick beer. The photo shows sample boxes waiting for checking, sealing, and shipping.

1.9, 2013
Day:101

Location at 2400: Transit to Shingu Anchorage point 33°10’N, 136°51’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Today the core techs were successful at extracting Hole C0021B core sections 10 and 11 that had been stuck in the core barrels. Unfortunately, core 12 could not be extracted. Splitting of cores from Hole C0022B is complete as are all hole-round sampling and core descriptions. The science part is now hard at work finishing reports on Sites C0002, C0012, and C0021. Warm weather and fair skies attracted a crowd of scientists to the helideck for sunset this evening. The photo shows void-gas and headspace gas samples from C0021B sitting in boxes after measurement.

1.8, 2013
Day:100

Location at 2400: Site C0021: 33°10’N, 136°39’E
Hole C0021B, Water depth: 2944.0 mbsl, Well depth: 194.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Overcast

Today we finished coring in our last Hole, C0021B. We reached Total Depth of 194.5 meters below seafloor at 10:30 pm and we made our last visit to the core cutting deck to process the final core. Core recovery was 9.5/9.5 m (100%!), and core quality looked good! Having finished describing and sampling the last of the C0022B cores, the scientists are now busy writing their site reports and looking forward to reaching Shimizu port. The photo shows a scene of the last core in the Core Cutting Area.

1.7, 2013
Day:99

Location at 2400: Site C0021: 33°10’N, 136°39’E
Hole C0021B, Water depth: 2940.5 mbsl (tentative), Well depth: 127.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Just back from the core cutting deck -- the last core (155-164m below seafloor) is jammed in the core barrel. Looks like we hit the limit for HPCS, but they seem to be trying once more. Recovery has been good and core quality also seems good (except for lots of gas expansion). Should be able to get to 200 meters below seafloor by dinner time. Will ask whether or not we might be able to continue for a few more hours. And the weather is nice! The photo shows a geochemist Harue Masuda taking gas sampling at Core Cutting Area.

1.6, 2013
Day:98

Location at 2400: Site C0021: 33°10’N, 136°39’E
Water depth: 2940.5 mbsl (tentative)
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Today's operations were mostly continued breaking down and laying down drill pipe stands. In the late afternoon, a Bottom Hole Assembly was made up for testing the small-diameter RCB (SD-RCB), but in the evening a problem was discovered and the engineers decided not to complete the test. So they are now preparing for our final coring hole at Site C0021 where we collected logging data last week. The science party continued processing and analysis of the C0022B cores. They also took time for writing up their Site reports. Today Logging Staff Scientist Moe departed and we were re-joined by Expedition Project Manager Sean. Unseasonably warm weather allowed some helideck jogging this afternoon. The photo shows a lab tech packing a spit section with heat shrink wrap.

1.5, 2013
Day:97

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°43’E
Hole C0022B, Water depth: 2674.0 mbsl, Well depth: 419.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Overcast

We finished coring this morning here at Hole C0022B after cutting Core 41 down to 419.5 meters below seafloor, and are pulling drill pipes out of the hole while laying them down and recovering transponders. As core depth became deeper, core quality became better, likely because sediments are lithified enough not to be biscuitted by ESCS coring. Accordingly, it became more difficult for geochemists to squeeze pore water out of interstitial water samples. Logging scientists were writing site report of C0022A, while other scientists kept processing cores up to Core 35. In the daily science meeting, logging scientist Dean Wilson gave a brief talk on LWD results, in particular on two MTDs apparent at Site C0021, where we will start coring from the day after tomorrow. Scientists also submitted the final draft of the Method Chapter, which was due today. The photo shows lab techs transferring into temporary refrigerator.

1.4, 2013
Day:96

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°43’E
Hole C0022B, Water depth: 2674.0 mbsl, Well depth: 319.0 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

We cut 9 cores up to Core 37 down to ~380 meters below seafloor today here at Hole C0022B. We stopped coring during cutting Core 32 due to a trouble with drilling mud control software. Core recovery was good except for a few cores, but ESCS coring resulted in poor quality of cores due to severe biscuitting, which makes scientists difficult to process cores. Logging scientists submitted 1st draft site report of C0021A, while other scientists kept processing cores up to Core 27. Operation Superintendent Sawada-san disembarked this morning. Co-Chief Scientists and Expedition Project Manager discussed with newly arrived Operation Superintendent Saruhashi-san about a possible operational plan at the next and final Hole C0021B. The photo shows a structural geologist Yefua Shan preparing discrete sampling.

1.3, 2013
Day:95

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°43’E
Hole C0022B, Water depth: 2674.0 mbsl, Well depth: 305.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

We cut 7 cores up to Core 28 down to ~300 meters below seafloor today here at Hole C0022B. After cutting Core 23, we washed down from 228.5 to 266.5 mbsf, then resumed coring from there. Core recovery was good except for a few cores, but ESCS coring resulted in poor quality of cores due to severe biscuitting. Sediments are likely overconsolidated, and lithified even at the depth of ~200 mbsf. Logging scientists kept writing site reports of C0021A and C0022A, while other scientists kept processing cores up to Core 17. Reviews of 1st draft reports of C0002HJKL have been completed by Co-Chief Scientists and Expedition Project Manager, and sent back to Group Leaders. Scientists are informed at the general science meeting about the deadlines of site reports, which will make them busy. The photo shows a physical property specialist Hiroko Kitajima preparing moisture and density measurement.

1.2, 2013
Day:94

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°43’E
Hole C0022B, Water depth: 2674.0 mbsl, Well depth: 219.0 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

We took 8 ESCS cores down to ~210 meters below seafloor today here at Hole C0022B. After taking Core 19, we washed down an interval of 162 - 190.5 meters to save time, then resumed coring from there. Core recovery was good except for a few cores. Some cores from the footwall of the megasplay fault are again rich in gas, and in case sediments in the core liner gushed out from small holes drilled to the ceiling of the core cutting deck. Logging scientists were writing site reports for C0021A and C0022A, while other scientists were keeping busy with processing cores up to Core 12 except for a few sections containing faults in the megasplay fault zone. High-angle normal faults were observed in the hanging wall of the megasplay fault. Specialty Coordinator Kanamatsu-san and Logging Staff Scientist Sanada-san disembarked this morning. The photo shows a sedimentologist Sebastian Ramirez describing a core.

1.1, 2013
Day:93

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°43’E
Hole C0022B, Water depth: 2674.0 mbsl, Well depth: 114.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

We took 8 cores down to ~110 meters below seafloor today. After Core 8H was taken by HPCS in the morning, the core pipe was stuck at the bottom of the hole, then overdrilled by EPCS and recovered two and a half hours later. We then switched to EPCS, and advanced 5 m per core since then, because we were going into the megasplay fault zone. In fact, a few low-angle fault zones were recognized in X-ray CT images of a core. Because we got only 1 m recovery for Core 11T, we switched to ESCS from Core 12X. Laboratory core work flow was a bit slow, and only 4 cores were processed today. Today is the New Year's day, and a New Year Ceremony was held in the morning on the Bridge. In addition, New Year's special dishes including "Zoni" (soup with rice cakes) were served at meal times. The photo shows a scene at New Year Ceremony at Bridge (Captain and OIS praying to "Kamidana" household shrine).


December

12.31, 2012
Day:92

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°43’E
Hole C0022B, Water depth: 2674.0 mbsl, Well depth: 57.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

After fixing the ball valve in the HPS top drive, we spudded in at Hole C0022B around 13:00, and the first piston core arrived on deck at ~13:50. We then washed down to 20 m for next coring. We took 5 cores down to 57.5 meters below seafloor by the end of the day. Core recovery was very good. Cores were rich in gas, which extruded worm-like mud out of the core liner from small holes drilled. Scientists became busy again with processing cores. In the daily science meeting, Joanne Tudge gave a brief talk on LWD data obtained at this site a few days ago, and showed the presence of a zone corresponding to the megasplay fault at the interval of 90-110 m. Because today is New Year's Eve, "Toshi-Koshi" (across-year) soba noodles were served at 21:00 - 22:00 in the Mess Room. In addition, scientists enjoyed a New Year's countdown party just before midnight. The photo shows people cerebrating the first sunrise of the year on Heli Deck.

12.30, 2012
Day:91

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°43’E
Water depth: 2675.5 mbsl
Weather: Overcast

LWD logs from Hole C0022A were distributed early this morning and the logging group began analysis. With the deadline for the Site C0002 report coming up soon, we had a special seminar for presentation of the results. There were several lively discussions, including one about the discrepancy between logs that show lots of hydrate in the zone above the BSR (Bottom Simulating Reflection) while the cores seemed to show very little hydrate. Chikyu moved landward to the region with low current so that we could load Bentonite mud for our remaining coring operation from the supply boat and to offload the LWD/MWD tools. During the evening we moved back to Site C0022 and began running the drill string to the seafloor to begin coring tomorrow morning. The photo shows a physical property specialist Robert Skarbek giving presentation at the science meeting.

12.29, 2012
Day:90

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°43’E
Hole C0022A, Water depth: 2675.5 mbsl, Well depth: 420.0 meters below seafloor
Weather: Cloudy

After finishing last night's wait-on-weather period, we continued LWD/MWD at Site C0022A, finishing in the late afternoon. The drill string was brought to the surface and LWD memory data were downloaded and processed before distribution to the logging scientists. Work on the cores from Hole C002L continued, along with report writing. The logging scientists were working hard to finish analysis of the Site C0018 and C0021 LWD data before receiving the C0022 logs tomorrow morning. We now need to load bentonite mud from the supply boat for our riserless coring operation at Hole C0022B. Attempts to do so in the late afternoon were unsuccessful due to high swells. Another attempt will be made in the morning. The morning's cool and windy weather gave way to a (somewhat) warm and sunny day. The highlight of the day was a large group photo session that included members of the ship's crew and the Marine Works lab technicians. The photo shows a scene of LWD recovering on the rig floor.

12.28, 2012
Day:89

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°43’E
Hole C0022A, Water depth: 2676.0 mbsl (tentative), Well depth: 135.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Rain

After arriving at our next drill site, C0022 (proposed NT2-13A), transponders were set and calibrated and the MWD/LWD Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) was rigged up and test. The BHA was then lower to the sea floor and the new hole was spudded. After 5 1/2 hours of drilling, we had another wait-on-weather period starting at 10:00 pm. The log data were downloaded from the LWD tools and analysis began -- the image logs were very high quality and showed many break-outs and nice "convolute" structure across the mass transport deposits. Description of the last cores from Hole C0002L was completed and the science party was hard at work writing the C0002 Site report. The logging group began analysis of the C0018B LWD logs. The photo shows a Logging Specialist Dean J Wilson watchdogging for C0022A LWD.

12.27, 2012
Day:88

Location at 2400: Site C0022: 33°13’N, 136°45’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Today we completed LWD/MWD at the NanTroSLIDE site (NTS-1C, now C0021), the companion Site to C0018B. The high quality logs will allow us to make good comparisons and correlations of the mass transport deposits (MTDs) at the two sites. Log analysis will also be aimed at finding the key region for coring at Site C0021 at the end of the expedition. Following completion of Hole C0021A, the drill string was retrieved by 6:00 pm and the memory LWD data were downloaded, processed by the Logging Staff Scientist and distributed to the logging scientists. The ship was then moved to the next Site (NT2-13A, now C0022). Seas remain calm and the weather is nice (although a bit chilly). The photo shows a sedimentologist Katrien Heirman summarizing and inputting VCD result to the database.

12.26, 2012
Day:87

Location at 2400: Site C0021, 33° 10 N, 136° 39 E
Hole C0021A , Water depth: 2940.5 m, Well depth: 24.0 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Running drill string for Hole C0018B was completed with spud-in at 4:20 am. Measurement While Drilling (MWD) showed the predicted seafloor depth to be perfect. While the logging scientists are continually watching the MWD data in real time, the rest of the science party continues to describe and sample the many cores from Hole C0002L. LWD logging at C0018B was completed in the late afternoon. The drill string was then raised above the seafloor and Chikyu moved 2 km to the north west to our next LWD/MWD site NTS-1C (now C00021A). We spudded the new hole just before mid-night. Today Logging Staff Scientist Moe Kyaw Thu arrived to help with LWD/MWD monitoring. The photo shows a Logging Specialist Joanne Tudge monitoring MWD.

12.25, 2012
Day:86

Location at 2400: Site C0018, 32° 09 N, 136° 40 E
Water depth: 3084.5 m, Well depth: 0 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Today we finished taking the final core at Hole C0002L, reaching Total Depth of 505 meters below the sea floor. As the drill pipe was recovered to prepare for logging while drilling (LWD) at the next site, the scientists continued with their core descriptions and lab analyses. Science work was suspended in the afternoon for a short Christmas Party that included exchange of "fun" gifts and eating lots of chocolates. Then it was back to work on cores and report writing as Chikyu steamed to our next site. The Schlumberger engineers spent the late afternoon making up the LWD Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). The drill string was being run into the hole all evening. The photo shows a structural geologist/sedimentologist Lionel Esteban conducting calibration for discrete P-wave analyzer.

12.24, 2012
Day:85

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32° 18 N, 136° 38 E
Hole C0002 L, Water depth: 1937.5 m, Well depth: 495.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

We took 11 cores from 391 meters below seafloor to 495.5 m at Hole C0002L today. Core recovery was good above the BSR zone and became excellent below as the sediment became better consolidated and less sandy. Most cores above the BSR zone contain methane gas, so core expansion was a problem. The cores only contained a few small patches of hydrate above the BSR zone. Arrival of cores every 2.5 hours kept scientists busy all the day with sample analyses and measurements, core descriptions, and whole round and discrete sampling. We expect to finish coring at Hole C0002L early in the morning, followed by recovery of the drill pipe and transponders in preparation for moving to Site C0018 for LWD. Everyone enjoyed a special Christmas Eve dinner that included lobster and turkey. The photo shows a structural geologist Kiyokazu Oohashi carefully checking the position of a discrete sample.

12.23, 2012
Day:84

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32° 18 N, 136° 38 E
Hole C0002 L, Water depth: 1937.5 m, Well depth: 391.0 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

We took 10 cores from 296 meters below seafloor to 391 m at Hole C0002L today. Core recovery was good except for a few cores. Most cores are rich in methane gas originated from methane hydrate so that many small holes were made before cutting into sections in order to prevent gas explosion. In a case, gas pressure inside the core liner extruded sediments from those holes. In other case, gas pressure was likely too high to break the core liner as well as the core sample into pieces. Continuous coring kept scientists busy all the day with checking X-ray CT images, gas and pore water chemical analyses, lithological and structural descriptions, physical property measurements, and whole round and discrete sampling. The photo shows a Sedimentrologist Kitty Milliken doing visual core description.

12.22, 2012
Day:83

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32° 18 N, 136° 38 E
Hole C0002 L, Water depth: 1937.5 m, Well depth: 296.0 meters below seafloor
Weather: Cloudy

We stopped coring at C0002K after taking Core 11 yesterday night, then pulled out drill pipes above the seafloor and waited on weather until this morning. We then spuded in at a new hole C0002L around 10:40, resumed coring from 280 meters below seafloor, and took 2 cores down to 300 m by the end of the day. While not on cores on deck, scientists worked on the remaining C0002K cores taken yesterday. Beautiful turbidite sequences were observed in some cores. The photo shows a Geochemist Tomohiro Toki taking samples for gas analysis.

12.21, 2012
Day:82

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32° 18 N, 136° 38 E
Hole C0002K, Water depth: 1966 m, Well depth: 286.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Overcast

Coring at Hole C0002K continued throughout the day, and 11 cores down to 286 m have been taken from this hole. Core recovery was good except for a few cores. In one core, it reached 100%. In a few cores, methane gas originated from methane hydrate caused extrusion of core samples out of the core liner. Because cores contain methane gas, void gas was sampled on the core cutting deck. Scientists have been busy with watchdogging whole round core sampling by checking X-ray CT images, interstitial water and gas analyses, lithological and structural descriptions, and physical property measurements of Hole C0002K cores. They also have taken discrete samples from some of Hole C0002J cores. In the morning, Co-Chief Scientist Brandon Dugan and Expedition Project Manager Sean Toczko disembarked, while Co-Chief Scientist Greg Moore and Expedition Project Manager Lena Maeda, who will stay by the end of this expedition, embarked. The photo shows a scene of sampling party.

12.20, 2012
Day:81

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32° 18 N, 136° 38 E
Hole C0002K, Water depth: 1966 m, Well depth: 204.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Four WR community samples from intact intervals were taken in the morning from a C0002J core. Interstitial water and gas analyses, lithological and structural descriptions, and physical properties measurements of Hole C0002J cores continued throughout the day. Sedimentologist Kitty Milliken found a candidate of the boundary between the Kumano Basin sediments and the accretionary prism sediments by visual core investigation. Scientists cooperated discrete sampling from the rest of Hole C0002J cores, and finished their work on Hole C0002J cores before C0002K cores arrived on deck. We moved to Hole C0002K, ran down drill pipes, spuded in at 16:45, and started HPCS coring from 200 meters below seafloor. The first core arrived on deck around 23:00, from which interstitial water samples were taken immediately.

12.19, 2012
Day:80

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Hole C0002J, Water depth: 1966 m, Well depth: 940 meters below seafloor
Weather: Partly cloudy

Starting from the first core from 902 meters below seafloor this morning around ~5:50, 7 cores down to 940 m were taken at Hole C0002J. Core recovery was good except for a few cores. Cores were watch-dogged before taking four interstitial water samples, two microbiology and two ASR whole round samples. Scientists spent a busy day taking time-sensitive samples, checking X-ray CT images, doing interstitial water and gas analyses, describing lithological and structural features, and measuring physical properties. Discrete samples were also taken from the first two cores. In the morning, Expedition Project Manager Sean Toczko had a video conversation with students from Nishi-Maizuru High School in Kyoto, with a demonstration of X-ray CT images by Hiroko Kitajima. The attached photo shows the Lab Techs and Geochemist taking interstitial water whole round samples on the core cutting floor.

12.18, 2012
Day:79

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Hole C0002J, Water depth: 1966 m, Well depth: 907 meters below seafloor
Weather: Partly cloudy

We successfully spudded in at ~8:00 here at Hole C0002J, kept drilling down at a fast ROP of ~60 m, and will reach 900 meters below seafloor at ~23:00. We will see the first core on deck around midnight. Scientists except for logging scientists were revising drafts on lithological and structural observations, physical property measurements and geochemical analyses of Hole C0002H cores, while logging scientists were revising the Site Report of Hole C0012H. In the daily science meeting, Dean Wilson gave a talk on gravity and seismic reflection/refraction studies around the Cape Verde swell off West Africa, and discussed its origin in terms of low-density region in the lithospheric mantle and/or dynamic upwelling from the asthenospheric mantle.

12.17, 2012
Day:78

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Hole C0002J, Water depth: 1966 m, Well depth: 0 meters below seafloor
Weather: Clear

After the maintenance of Hydralift Power Swivel (HPS) top drive and some pressure tests, borehole assembly preparation for the coring at C0002J was in progress. C-Chief Scientists and Expedition Project Manager reviewed the drafts on lithological and structural observations, physical property measurements and geochemical analyses of Hole C0002H cores. In the daily science meeting, Yehua Shan gave a talk on joint analyses in a Miocene sandstone in the southernmost Taiwan, and discussed three stages of jointing in the context of Quaternary tectonics of Taiwan. To refresh everyone's spirits before the next cores arrive on deck, scientists enjoyed a traditional Japanese tea ceremony held by tea master Hiroko Kitajima in the afternoon, and watched a movie in the evening.

12.16, 2012
Day:77

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Hole C0002I, Water depth: 1964.5 m, Well depth: 1360 meters below seafloor
Weather: Partly cloudy

Ran colliding tool; cut 5-inch drill pipe. Winded up wireline and picked up drill string. Moved vessel to low current area. Today the science teams were busily working on reports for Hole C0002H. The drafts, describing the bulk sedimentological, physical, chemical, and structural features of the cored interval, will be completed tonight for review by the co-chief scientists tomorrow. In the daily science meeting, the science party discussed the science plans for our next coring at Site C0002 and how future locations will be selected for contingency operations at the end of the expedition. After these operational discussions, Sebastian Ramirez introduced the group to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Specifically he explained his research using resistivity tomography (observations with modeling) to understand structures and fluid flow in a geothermal field. After the science meeting, many of the scientists enjoyed the nice day by taking a tour of the derrick.

12.15, 2012
Day:76

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Hole C0002I, Water depth: 1964.5 m, Well depth: 1360 meters below seafloor
Weather: Rain

Recovered free point indicator tool. Prepared colliding tool; troubleshoot wireline winch. The scientists spent much of the day catching up as we were waiting on weather. The logging group is revising the Site C0012 report that characterizes the sedimentary and basement variations in terms of gamma ray, resistivity, and velocity behavior, and defines the primary structural features. The structure, sedimentology, geochemistry, and physical properties groups have finished most of the data collection for Hole C0002H and are writing reports for review. At the daily science seminar, Kitty Milliken explained how cathodoluminescence imaging can be a very powerful petrographic technique. She demonstrated how it can be used to jointly look at mechanical and chemical processes at the grain scale. More advanced work may also be able to look at temporal evolution of fracture growth. This type of work will be highly valuable as we collect deeper cores within NanTroSEIZE. And it makes beautiful images too.

12.14, 2012
Day:75

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Hole C0002I, Water depth: 1964.5 m, Well depth: 1360 meters below seafloor
Weather: Clear

Attempted to free pipe; center bit. Ran and surveyed free point by wireline tool. Today was filled with science presentations for the science party. The science team gave two Science Cafes for the ship's crew to update them on the goals of Expedition 338 and the overall NanTroSEIZE objectives. We started with an overview presentation on NanTroSEIZE and then continued in the core lab where we looked at core samples, log data, and seismic data to explain how a diverse group of scientists is needed to address subduction zone processes. In our science meeting, the geochemistry group presented headspace gas and interstitial water analyses (GRIND method) for Hole C0002H. The gas data generally had similar trends/values for C1/C2+ and delta13C of CH4 compared to Hole C0002F mud gas work and regional gas trends. Major cations and anions (interstitial water) were similar to those at Hole C0002B. Olivier Fabbri gave an interesting presentation on using microstructures to try to define slow vs rapid slip along faults. His talk elicited some excellent discussion ranging from evolution of structures to migration of pore fluids. The attached photo shows sedimentologist Kitty Milliken describing to the Science Cafe attendees the relationship between seismic profiles and actual core samples and what we learn from combining information from these two very different data sets.

12.13, 2012
Day:74

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Hole C0002I, Water depth: 1964.5 m, Well depth: 1322.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Partly cloudy

Continued circulation and clearing hole. Reboot 4S Azimuth Thruster. Pulled out to 900 meters below seafloor. Swept out and ran in hole. Stuck pipe and attempted to free drill pipe. The physical properties group had a chance to "break" some rocks today in a controlled manner. Using one of the interstitial water squeezers, and a load cell, they measured the unconfined compressive strength of four specimens from Hole C0002H. The physical properties group also showed the good correlation of between MAD and MSCL-W data from Holes C0002B (core), C0002F (cuttings), and C0002H (core). The sedimentology group gave an overview of their analyses of the cores from Hole C0002H, which included comparison with cuttings from C0002F, identification of nannofossils, bioturbated intervals, and a comparison of the sand content difference between core samples and cutting samples. The structure group summarized the bedding dips and fracture dips of the same cores and a preliminary assessment of how they could correlate with other sites. Paleomagnetic data are needed to finalize orientations. The accompanying photo shows the Unconfined Compressive Strength samples being soaked in seawater prior to undergoing analysis.

12.12, 2012
Day:73

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Hole C0002I, Water depth: 1964.5 m, Well depth: 1322.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Partly cloudy

Continued drilling down 10 5/8 inch hole. Today the science party finished most of the characterization of cores from Hole C0002H. Structural and sedimentological descriptions were completed on the mixed silty claystone and sand cores. Discrete samples for electrical resistivity, p-wave velocity, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and moisture and density (MAD) were taken. Resistivity and p-wave analyses are done, MAD samples are being processed, and UCS measurements will be completed tomorrow. Bulk samples for XRD, XRF, and carbon analysis are being dried and will be completed soon. The scientists also had their first sampling party where they learned how to select personal samples for shipboard and shore-based researchers and how enter sample data into JCORES. In the daily science meeting, Michael Wong Feng (Schlumberger field engineer) provided a summary of how QA/QC work is done for our LWD data. All the scientists are awaiting deeper cores from Hole C0002I where we are currently drilling down. The photo shows Co-Chief Brandon Dugan overseeing the sampling party with several of the Group B science party.

12.11, 2012
Day:72

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Hole C0002H, Water depth: 1965m, Well depth: 1120.5 meters below seafloor
Hole C0002I, Water depth: 1964.5 m, Well depth: 386.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Partly cloudy

The logging group presented their overview on the logging data from Site C0012. Based on the gamma ray and resistivity data they identified the sedimentary section as dominated by hemipelagic mud consistent with core observations from Expeditions 322 and 333. For the resistivity data, they proposed how variations in pore water chemistry may be influencing the resistivity response. They also related some structural features to interpreted slumping in the core data. The logging data in the basement basalt is exciting with structures, resistivity packages, and variable velocity, but further analysis is required to understand how this relates to basalt physical properties and alteration state. On the lab street deck, all of the scientists were busy describing and measuring the first two cores from Hole C0002H. The cores contained silty claystone, sandstone and sand with some nice contacts and faulting surfaces. Descriptive and quantitative data should be available starting tomorrow. We also spudded in at Hole C0002I to make another attempt to get cores deeper in the inner wedge of the accretionary prism. The photo shows structural geologist Olivier Fabbri and sedimentologist Sebastian Ramirez examining the CT data for the 1st core.

12.10, 2012
Day:71

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Water depth: 1965m, Well depth: 1120.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Partly cloudy

Continued to drill 10 5/8-inch RCB hole. Cut #1 RCB core; drilled down, stuck and free pipe. Cut #2 RCB core; stuck pipe but sweep and pump then work pipe free. Today was a busy and exciting day on Chikyu. The logging scientists wrapped up their lithologic, structural, and physical properties analyses of the LWD data from Hole C0012H, and completed their first draft of the site report. The day started with a dry run of the core flow to prepare the science party for core on deck. During the day, the entire science party watched our drilling progress at Hole C0002H. We completed drilling through the Kumano basin sediments and advanced to 1100.5 meters below seafloor where the first core was taken. A second core was taken at 1110.5 meters below seafloor. Both cores are in the lab stack, and we have started the real core flow. As we process these cores, we begin another drill down section to ~1570 meters below seafloor, the planned depth of our next coring interval. Description of the first cores should be done soon, and shortly after we will have cores from much deeper.

12.9, 2012
Day:70

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Water depth: 1965m, Well depth: 788 meters below seafloor
Weather: Partly cloudy

We successfully spudded in at ~0345 h here at Hole C0002H, and drilled down fast to ~750 meters below seafloor by the evening. Getting 1 core each at 1100 and 1300 meters below seafloor in addition to cores from 1570-1670m is planned at this hole. Scientists enjoyed a Chikyu ship tour. Lab techs gave another SEM introduction to Sedimentologists. In the daily science meeting, Harue Masuda gave a talk on the chemistries of hot spas in the Kinki regions, in particular of the historic Arima hot springs spa in Kobe, and discussed the presence of mantle-derived fluids along the active faults in that region. Following Harue's talk, the Structural Geologists proposed an interesting hypothesis on the structural discontinuities at Site C0002, based on LWD data at Hole C0002A and C0002F as well as core analysis data at Hole C0002B. Scientists also discussed the core flow before cores arrive on deck soon.

12.8, 2012
Day:69

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Calibrated Dynamic Positioning System. Moved vessel to low current area. Preparation for coring. Waited on weather. Moved vessel to drifting point and drift to well center. After completing coring borehole assembly at Hole C0002H, drilling pipes were downed below the sea surface, and we will spud in here in the early tomorrow morning. Scientists discussed coring intervals at this site based on the LWD data and cuttings analyses obtained at Hole C0002F, and reached a conclusion that we should get cores at three intervals at this site; 900-1160, 1240-1380 and 1570-1670 meters below seafloor, the last of which is of the highest priority. Logging scientists are analyzing the LWD data obtained at Hole C0012H with the help from Logging Staff Scientists, and preparing the Site Report. In the daily science meeting, Tomo Toki gave a talk on the chemical and isotopic compositions of cold seep fluids from the Omine Ridge and from the Kumano mud volcano, and discussed their sources in terms of mixing of shallow crustal pore fluid, fluid derived from clay-mineral dehydration and seawater.

12.7, 2012
Day:68

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 32°18 N, 136°38 E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Recovering 4 transponders ended this afternoon, and we are now moving to the next Site C0002H. Based on the LWD memory gamma ray and resistivity data, Co-Chief Scientists, Expedition Project Manager and Logging Staff Scientists confirmed in the early morning that the seafloor at C0012H was 3538 mBRT (m below the drill floor) and the water depth here was 3509.5m. We have acquired excellent LWD data here, whose analyses by logging scientists are in progress. Lab techs gave an introduction to scientists how to manage X-ray CT images. Scientists are also last minute revising the Method Chapter of the Expedition Report, which is due today. In the daily science meeting, Kiyo Oohashi gave a talk on the lubrication of fault slip by the presence of graphite based on his rotary shear experiments on amorphous carbon, graphite, and quartz-graphite mixture, and we had a good discussion on this interesting topic. The photo shows the 10 5/8 inch RCB coring bit on the rig floor as the coring borehole assembly was made up and prepared.

12.6, 2012
Day:67

Location at 2400: Site C0012, 32°44 N, 136°55 E
Weather: Rainy

LWD at Hole C0012H successfully ended at ca. 0500 h in the morning, reaching Total Depth 710 meters below seafloor, i.e. ~180 m below the boundary between the basaltic basement and its cover sediments. Winners of the pools on the Total Depth and its time were Brandon Dugan and Robert Skarbek, respectively. Pulling out and recovering LWD tools continued until the evening, and scientists watched LWD tools being taken into pieces and examined the PCD drill bit on the drill floor. In the daily science meeting, Publication Assistant Jean Wulfson gave a talk on the IODP format and style of figures and tables, followed by Robert Skarbek's talk on the modeling of slow slip based on mixed velocity weakening and strengthening behavior. The photo shows Drilling Engineer Sho Kataoka (CDEX) on the rig floor explaining the LWD drill bit to scientists soon after recovery on deck.

12.5, 2012
Day:66

Location at 2400: Site C0012, 32°44 N, 136°55 E
Weather: Rainy

LWD at Hole C0012H is going well, and we reached the basaltic basement at 531 meters below seafloor at ~15:30h, when resistivity increased and gamma-ray values decreased abruptly. Logging scientists keep their eyes watching real-time LWD data. We plan to keep drilling the basement collecting continuous LWD data until 700 meters below seafloor if everything goes well. Geochemists tested the GRIND and alternative methods for chemical analyses of interstitial water. In the daily science meeting, Hiroko Kitajima gave a talk on the estimates of in situ stress and pore pressure in the low velocity zone of the Nankai Trough accretionary prism, based on her triaxial experiments on sediments at input Site C0011, and showed that the low velocity zone is a zone of elevated pore pressure and anomalously low stress. The photo shows Co-Chief Scientist Kyu Kanagawa and CDEX Staff Shinichi Kuramoto discussing the relevance of the input sites to the overall NanTroSEIZE project and science goals.

12.4, 2012
Day:65

Location at 2400: Site C0012, 32°44 N, 136°55 E
Weather: Partly cloudy

After replacing LWD tools and re-assembling borehole assembly, we downed drill pipes and successfully spudded in at ~15:30 here at the Hole C0012H. LWD watchdog by logging specialists started then. Sedimentologists tested a sonicator on cuttings, from which they made smear slides. Lab techs gave an introduction of XRD and XRF to sedimentologists. Geochemists prepared for chemical analyses of interstitial water. Other scientists keep reviewing the Method Chapters of the Expedition Report. In the daily science meeting, Lionel Esteban gave a talk on the effects of pyrite on logging data, and showed that the effects cannot be ignored if the content of pyrite in cores is more than 1.5%. The attached photo shows the supply ship Shinchou-maru keeping up with Chikyu in the rougher seas.

12.3, 2012
Day:64

Location at 2400: Site C0012, 32°44 N, 136°55 E
Weather: Overcast

LWD assembly went down close to the seafloor at the Hole C0012H, but it was noticed that signals were not coming from LWD tools. Spud-in was then halted, and pipe strings were being pulled out for troubleshooting. Scientists are reviewing the Method Chapter of the Expedition Report, and revising it if necessary. Introductory explanations by Lab techs were given to Physical Properties specialists on core measurements to be done onboard, as well as to Geochemists on analyses of gas chemistry. In the daily science meeting, Logging Staff Scientist Yukari Kido gave an introduction to LWD tools used at the Hole C0012H. All scientists attended a safety meeting where they learned lessons from accidents that happened lately.

12.2, 2012
Day:63

Location at 2400: Site C0012, 32°44 N, 136°55 E
Weather: Overcast

Recover transponders, move vessel to Site C0012. Deploy transponders, DP calibration and prepare 12.25-inch LWD drilling assembly. The scientists had the opportunity to see some of the operational equipment. We had a tour of the ROV unit while they were deploying the beacons for the site. We also had a chance to investigate the LWD tools while they were being prepared and tested for use at Site C0012. The scientists await spudding the hole and getting new data. In the daily science meeting, Katrien Heirman gave a science cafe presentation on the LARISSA (LARsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica) expedition. Katiren gave a great talk of the expedition and how they used an ROV to access new areas of the seafloor to conduct integrated geological, biological and paleoclimatological studies. The photo depicts the science party being briefed on the logging tools by the Schlumberger Logging Engineers.

12.1, 2012
Day:62

Location at 2400: Low current area, 33°18 N, 136°38 E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Continue lay out riser pipes. Move vessel to Site C0002. The crossover among science party was officially and successfully completed today as Group A disembarked. Group B is reviewing the method chapters and planning for logging and coring activities at Sites C0012, C0002, and C0018. Suspension of Hole C0002F was completed as the ROV placed the corrosion cap on the wellhead and recovered the transponders. While diving, the ROV also inspected the observatory at C0002G, which is recording downhole data. In the lab stack, the geochemistry group is revisiting the GRIND method procedures for porewater analysis, and has proposed some alternative centrifuge techniques to compare to the GRIND method. The science party also received an overview on report writing and publication requirements. The photo depicts group B watching the departure of the 1 helicopter flight returning group A to land.


November

11.30, 2012
Day:61

Location at 2400: Low current area, 33°18 N, 136°38 E
Weather: Overcast

Recover riser BOP & riser joints. Crossover activities among science party wrapped up today. Group B has assumed leadership in the lab and with logging. While group A finalized packing up, group B finished looking at cores from Site C0002B and took some new smear slide for description. To wrap up the crossover activities, we had presentations of potential locations for the second post-cruise meeting. Expedition Project Manager Sean Toczko (on behalf of Co-Chief Greg Moore) proposed Hawaii as the venue for science discussions and a volcanic field trip. Insun Song proposed Korea and the KIGAM facilities as the location for our postcruise research discussions with multiple options for field trips. Regardless of the location, all the scientists are excited to meet after the expedition to discuss how their post-cruise research is advancing. The photo show the science party gathered around the front of the moonpool to get a closer look at the BOP.

11.29, 2012
Day:60

Location at 2400: Low current area, 33°18 N, 136°38 E
Weather: Overcast

Continue recover riser, riser fairing and BOP. Load guide horn for riserless operation. Crossover activities among the two science party groups are nearing their end. Group A is wrapping up their final tasks as they prepare to disembark. Group B continues to look over the cores from Hole C0002B, reviewing logging data from the sites, and is preparing to do some more detailed characterization of the cores for comparison with the results from Expedition 315 and the cuttings and log interpretations from the last 4 weeks. In the daily science meeting Asuka Yamaguchi gave a presentation on the structural characterization of slumps and basalt at Site C0012 and Brandon Dugan gave a presentation on the mass transport deposits at Site C0018. These presentations allowed the scientists to learn about the history of these sites and outstanding science questions at them such as the extent of basalt alteration, the fluid budget in the upper crust and Subduction inputs, and the origin of sedimentary failures in two different environments. Co-chief scientist/specialty coordinator Greg Moore and specialty coordinators Demian Saffer and Mike Underwood disembarked.

11.28, 2012
Day:59

Location at 2400: Low current area, 33°18 N, 136°38 E
Weather: Clear

Continue recover riser and BOP. Crossover activities for science party continued on two fronts. We had post-expedition breakout group discussions for geomechanics/geotech, structure, sedimentology, and geochemistry. This extended our brief intro presentations from yesterday. Scientists had the opportunity to discuss details of their research plans, to plan integration with shipboard data, and to establish links between projects. Researchers also started discussion of sampling strategies to maximize overlap. In addition, groups continued crossover training. The sedimentology group worked on XRD analysis and started re-evaluating the cores from Site C0002B. The structure group looked at the cores from Site C0002B and worked on interpreting X-Ray CT images. The geochemistry group set up a plan to do some test GRIND samples. The logging group started software training.

11.27, 2012
Day:58

Location at 2400: Moving to low current area, 33°18 N, 136°38 E
Weather: Clear

Drifting to low current area and continue recovering riser BOP & riser joints. Crossover activities continued for the science party, specialty coordinators, and co-chief scientists. A key science party activity for the day was the presentation of post-expedition research plans. All scientists gave a brief, but informative introduction to their research objectives, which ranged from micro-scale imaging to geochemical analysis to seismic data characterization. These post expedition activities will help round-out the expedition objectives, often link to other NanTroSEIZE sites, but also will expand our overall understanding of physical and chemical processes in accretionary systems. Discussions afterword included continuing our shipboard analyses, planning for our next operations at Site C0012, C0002, and C0018, and also lining up potential avenues for collaboration. The scientists also said goodbye to Kevin Pickering, Jacob Geersen, Geoff Wheat, EPM Lena Maeda and co-chief scientist Michi Strasser, all of whom disembarked today.

11.26, 2012
Day:57

Location at 2400: A low current area, 33°24 N, 136°34 E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Disconnect BOP; recover ROV to surface. Begin drifting vessel to low current area. The Expedition 338 science party had an exciting and productive day. The Group A scientists presented an overview of our data from Hole C0002F, and Group B came up to speed quickly. Each group laid the framework for their analysis, provided descriptions of the primary data, and outlined preliminary interpretations. Good questions, answers, and discussions followed and ranged from questions about methods and approaches to inquiries of further analyses that could advance our understanding. All of the scientists await riserless coring at Site C0002 to address some of the key questions and to test interpretations of the cuttings and log data. Everybody is also interested to get the first age data from cuttings work to better constrain time and thus interpretations of the data. The Group B scientists also had a cuttings analysis workflow to learn how cuttings were processed and how core processing will be similar for some aspects and different for others. In the remaining time, work groups met individually so information about workflow and science objectives and approaches could be assessed in detail.

11.25, 2012
Day:56

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F, 33° 18' N, 136° 38' E
Hole depth: 2005.5 meters below seafloor, Water depth: 1939.0 mbsl
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Continue to wait on cementing. #2 plug back cementing. Pull out diverter assembly while displace riser with seawater. Prepare to recover riser and BOP. Today the entire science party was onboard Chikyu. Group A scientists welcomed Group B scientists and informal discussions began regarding laboratory procedures and preliminary data for Hole C0002F. After ship and lab safety training, we gathered the science party for a picture on the sunny helideck, and then had introductions by everybody. In the evening, Group B scientists learned about our Expedition objectives through a presentation by co-chief scientist Kyu Kanagawa and also learned about regional tectonics of the Nankai region through a presentation by co-chief scientists and specialty coordinator Greg Moore. Tomorrow the group A scientists will give overview presentations on what we have learned at Hole C0002F and what we can learn from coring during Group B's science activities. The photo shows the scientists waiting on kick-off meeting.

11.24, 2012
Day:55

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F, 33° 18' N, 136° 38' E
Hole depth: 2005.5 meters below seafloor, Water depth: 1939.0 mbsl
Weather: Fine but cloudy

A task sequence for suspending the hole was continued. The geochemistry group continued to review practices with Specialty Coordinator Geoff Wheat, and they processed additional samples to evaluate if hard cuttings samples could be used for pore water analysis through the grind method or through standard squeezing. Specialty coordinator Mike Underwood reviewed lab analyses with the lithology group and updates to cuttings flow that were established earlier in the expedition. All lab groups continued to prepare for the arrival of the group B scientists. This included preparing overview presentations for Site C0002F and establishing ideas for linking LWD and cuttings data that have been collected with core data that will be collected at C0002H. The photo shows our fantastic catering team giving special meal (pumpkin pie) for Thanksgiving Day on Nov 23.

11.23, 2012
Day:54

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F, 33° 18' N, 136° 38' E
Hole depth: 2005.5 meters below seafloor, Water depth: 1939.0 mbsl
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Drift to the site. Successfully land lower marine riser package to BOP. Second drafts of the Hole C0002F are under review. In the daily science meeting, the group had an extensive discussion about unit and subunit boundaries. The group has boundaries across multiple data sets that are prominent, but spent the necessary time to outline the exact definition of the boundaries for each data set. Related to this, the mixing issue of reaming while drilling and different depth scales became apparent and is being used to explain depth differences. Specialty Coordinators Mike Underwood and Geoff Wheat arrived this morning, and started contributing right away. After meeting with the co-chief scientists, they participated in the daily science meeting and started interacting with the scientists to look at the science of Hole C0002F and how it relates to previous NanTroSEIZE sites. Tomorrow the specialty coordinators will work more closely with the lithology and geochemistry groups on lab procedures.

11.22, 2012
Day:53

Location at 2400: Transit to Site C0002, 33° 27 N, 136° 37 E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Run riser pipe with drifting the vessel. The scientists spent the first half of the day finalizing the second drafts of their Hole C0002F section reports. The co-chief scientists and expedition project manager spent the second half of the day reviewing the reports. Significant progress has been made identifying the general trends in all of the datasets, but also in comparing them with data from Holes C0002A and C0002B. The integration of data across disciplines has yielded very strong evidence for four primary units. The scientists are now reviewing the Methods chapters and preparing for the crossover with scientists from group B who arrive on 25 November. The photo shows a Co-Chief Scientist Michael Strasser checking pore water extracting from a sample.

11.21, 2012
Day:52

Location at 2400: Low current area (13 nmi NNW of the wellhead), 33° 31 N, 136° 36 E
Weather: Cloudy

Preparations for BOP latch back were continued. Waiting for instruction for crack removal on intermediate flex joint. The science party spent much of the day finalizing their reports for the upper section of Hole C0002F. Each group is developing nice discussions of the data, and how it correlates with observations at Holes C0002A and C0002B. In addition, Andre Huepers presented a detailed cuttings study completed by the physical properties group. This work was motivated by multiple groups identifying cuttings that appear to be soft and disturbed by the drilling process. Through a detailed separation process on the >4mm size fraction, they analyzed hard cuttings and bulk, unsorted cuttings for MAD properties. They showed that porosity of disturbed cuttings is higher than on hard cuttings and that porosity separation increases with increasing depth. This got the science party thinking about how to correct for soft cuttings, as well as thinking about what part of the drilling process controls this. The photo shows a lab tech molding a sample for XRD measurement.

11.20, 2012
Day:51

Location at 2400: Low current area (13 nmi NNW of the wellhead), 33°31’N, 136°36’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Pull out riser pipe joints and inspect with magnetic particle inspection. Continuing from the boundary identification meeting from yesterday, the scientists revisited their data, worked on composite plots, and really attacked defining unit boundaries. Each group came up with complete descriptions of what defined their boundaries (e.g., structural feature, chemical signature, sedimentary architecture). At 1300, Michi Strasser led a real-time integration of the data and the boundaries by projecting all of the data sets and overlaying the boundaries. By the end of the meeting the science party had defined four lithological units moving from the Kumano Basin into the accretionary prism. This activity also opened discussion on the complexity of dealing with cuttings and data that are simultaneously produced at the bit and the under reamer. But we have a good vision for working with this issue and it helps explain some of the depth correlations between the cuttings data and log data. The photo shows a lab tech making powdered samples.

11.19, 2012
Day:50

Location at 2400: Low current area (13 nmi NNW of the wellhead), 33°31’N, 136°36’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

The scientists worked on revising the Site summaries for the upper section of Hole C0002F. As part of the process, had a boundary-identification science meeting. Each group identified the primary boundaries or units they observe in their data and the criteria they used. This simple exercise led to the preliminary identification of three boundaries that tie across most of the data sets that may become Unit boundaries. Potential subunit boundaries were also discussed. This exercise also started the thought process on composite diagrams. We continue to think about the mixing created by cutting production from the bit and the under reamer. Revised section reports will be completed on 21 November. The photo shows a logging specialist Susanna Webb explaining boundaries based on logging data analysis in the discussion meeting.

11.18, 2012
Day:49

Location at 2400: Low current area (13 nmi NNW of the wellhead), 33°31’N, 136°36’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Pull out the wiper trip assembly. Move vessel to a low current area. Prepare to pick up and check riser pipe and lines. Science Part A scientists gathered together with all other personal on board Chikyu, wearing full personal protective equipment and life jackets, for their 6th weekly Sunday morning safety drill. In the afternoon breakout group discussions about integration of logging (LWD and mud gas) data with results and interpretations from lithology, structural geology and physical property investigations were held. Additionally, selected material from temporary archived cutting samples retrieved at 5m vertical resolution in the first section of riser hole C0002F were washed and sieved for further investigations by the specialty groups to complement missing data points, reproducing interesting observations and testing initial working hypothesis derived from the preliminary shipboard dataset. Today's photo: a scene of cuttings sampling party of a day.

11.17, 2012
Day:48

Location at 2400: Transit to a low current area (10 nmi NEE of the wellhead), 33°22’N, 136°39’E
Weather: Overcast

Ream down 20 inch hole. Wait on weather. Emergency disconnect due to rough weather. Move vessel to a low current area. The first drafts of the report chapters are now under review with the co-chief scientists, expedition project manager and publication assistant. The scientists prepared slides for the 2nd C0002F science meeting in the afternoon. All groups presented their updated data and results, on the basis of which, suggestions for units and subunit boundaries were proposed and lively discussed. The challenge for correlating data from cuttings with logging and gas monitoring data is the fact that cuttings are produced both by the drill bit as well as by the under reamer, which cuts the formation 42m above the bit. However, crispy data sets and clever solutions have been presented to overcome this challenge. In the late afternoon we experienced very rough sea conditions and felt disappointed for unfortunate weather conditions after such an exciting science day. The photo shows the rough sea.

11.16, 2012
Day:47

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Total depth: 2005.5 meters below seafloor
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Run in hole the wiper trip assembly to 20 inch casing shoe. Activate under reamer and ream down 20 inch hole. Open hole 12-1/4 inch to 20 inch. By midnight the science groups turned in their first drafts of the C0002F section report. Today's activity was mostly dedicated to report writing and scientists were working hard to meet the tight deadline. An appreciated variation between writing text and creating figures was the bridge tour in the afternoon, during which Chief HSE Officer explained functionality of various monitors, wheels, blinking lights and buttons on the bridge. In the meanwhile, few additional cuttings have been sampled during the wiper and hole opening trip by the under reamer, preparing the hole for installing the casing. The photo shows samples after lithology description being soaked in water for further analysis.

11.15, 2012
Day:46

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Preparation for 16" casing setting was continued: after drill-out cement, wiper trip assembly was made up and run in the hole. The Structure Geology and Sedimentology groups described and analyzed the last few cutting samples from the interval drilled so far at riser hole C0002F. Results from XRD, XRF, and CARB analysis, as well as thin sections for microscopic description of these samples are expected to become available during the next few days, and will eventually complement the shipboard data set. The logging group received processed sonic data from onshore processing and continued picking bedding, folds and faults in the resistivity images. The gas-monitoring geochemists discussed sampling strategies of trip gas to be collected during tonight's wiper trip in the 20-in hole. Also, all scientists started to write on the first drafts of the section report chapters, which is due by tomorrow midnight. The photo shows powdered samples for carbonate/TC/TN measurement sitting in order.

11.14, 2012
Day:45

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

The morning good news about resuming operation in the riser hole provided extra energy and motivation to all science party members. In the afternoon we had our Site C0002F Science Meeting. Although most groups still are producing data points from the lower part of drilled succession, each group presented their preliminary results, highlighting key observation, trends and changes of various analyzed parameters. The logging group showed first resistivity images, bedding, fault and folds orientations, information about borehole brake-outs and log-seismic integration. The Lithology and Structural Geology reported detailed macroscopic and microscopic observation of lithology and deformation features, along with first results from XRD and XRF measurements. The geochemistry group presented mud-gas analysis and organic geochemistry results on cutting chips analysis and the physical property presented their measured values of porosity, natural gamma, and magnetic susceptibility. They also presented results from diffusion models to explain cutting mixing gradients resulting from the under reamer assembly drilling across the cement-formation boundary. The impressive dataset presented today bears interesting features, correlative trends and peaks/changes across various independent datasets, the further investigation of which will be the focus of our activity of the next couple days. The photo shows the derrick and rainbow after a passing shower yesterday.

11.13, 2012
Day:44

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

C0002F hole was plugged with cement. Investigation for function BOP. The first section of our riser hole C0002-F (860 - 2005 meters below seafloor) has been completed yesterday. Today scientists are still busy processing cuttings in the laboratory and catching up on the cutting sample backload from the previous days. The physical property groups confirms interesting trends in porosity data in the deeper part of the section and the Structure Geology and Sedimentology groups identify significant downhole changes in cutting induration state, structural features and sand content and quartz grain size. Solid phase geochemistry data is now available for the upper part of the section and is being compared with other data from this drilling interval. While all this shipboard data is emerging towards a comprehensive data set, the Logging Group grasped first view on retrieved memory data from the LWD tools and we were excited to see the variety of features to be identified and analyzed in the resistivity images. The photo shows a Sedimentologist Anja Schleicher observing cuttings.

11.12, 2012
Day:43

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Troubleshoot on BOP. Scientists in the labs keep working hard and are processing cuttings, while the logging scientists are excited about the fact that they will get to work with the high resolution LWD memory data and resistivity images soon. During our daily science meeting, groups show updates and current status by plotting the latest results and highlighting how the data points keep defining consistent downhole trends which correlate with trends in data presented by other groups. Also, we see teasers of today's structure highlight of micro faults in cutting grains and follow the invitation to inspect some grains below the microscope in the core lab. The photo shows a lab tech registering each sample on the database.

11.11, 2012
Day:42

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Cloudy

Continue to drill 12-1/4 inch LWD hole and 20 inch hole with under reamer. Repair mud pump. Pull out drilling assembly of the hole for wait on weather due to strong wind and current. A day of waiting on weather allowed the scientists to catch up on analysis and start doing interpretations over their completed data sets. The logging group worked on data interpretations to 2000 meters below seafloor, separating potential log units. The sedimentology group continued processing sand from cuttings for Q index and also integrated XRD data with those from Site C0002B. XRF data show little variation with size fraction allowing some simplifications in data processing. The MAD data are complete to 1850 meters below seafloor and have some separation based on size fraction that may relate to lithology. The geochemistry group has the first calcium carbonate data which decrease with depth; total organic carbon and nitrogen data are almost done. The photo shows a physical property specialist Andre Huepers measuring moisture and density.

11.10, 2012
Day:41

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Continue to drill 12-1/4 inch LWD hole and 20 inch hole with under reamer. Our drilling rate slowed down as the formation may be getting harder, our lab groups will be looking for this in the samples and data. The logging group indicates that the lithology has been constant for a while but its velocity is varying. Mud gas analyses show that the gas signature is getting more thermogenic. Moisture and density data show new trends below 1500 meters below seafloor, and porosity data now differ depending on size fraction. The sedimentology group is comparing XRD and XRF data from different cutting size fractions. The structure group is looking at thin sections and has observed some fractures with preferred grain orientations. The photo shows cuttings leaving for natural drying for 3rd step of sample processing flow.

11.9, 2012
Day:40

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Continue to drill 12-1/4 inch LWD hole and 20 inch hole with under reamer. Troubleshoot on mud pumps. The science party extended their data sets and interpretations. The physical properties group updated the cement-sediment mixing curve. The sedimentology group generated depth plots for percent mud and percent sand and for max quartz grain size, which showed distinct packages. The structure group expanded their analysis of carbonate vein population and discussed ways to show depth uncertainty during reaming while drilling. Logging and geochemistry groups continue to interpret real time data. The photo shows a structure geologist Toru Takeshita observing and picking cuttings sample.

11.8, 2012
Day:39

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Continue to drill 12-1/4 inch LWD hole and 20 inch hole with under reamer. With continued drilling, all of the science groups maintained high energy levels and productivity. The structure group is describing carbonate veins and defining their depth intervals. The sedimentologists continue defining sand intervals and the maximum size of the quartz fraction. Physical property data show natural gamma ray and porosity depth trends consistent with densification and the data have little scatter. The logging group is incorporating the sonic logs in their analyses. Mud gas data continues to show decreasing gas concentration and increasing thermogenic percent. Solid phase geochemical data should be available soon. The photo shows the second step of cuttings processing flow for "size fraction sieving".

11.7, 2012
Day:38

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

The ocean current speed remains relatively high, which makes it difficult for supply boats to approach aside Chikyu for loading/offloading for mud waste control. Ship staffs are trying very hard to find any countermeasures for rotation difficulties of waste mud containers. On the other hand, we could use this down time efficiency to improve and increase process speed our complicated cuttings handling flow. Processing and interpretation of data continued in Lab. The logging group started to identify lithological changes throughout the logged section based on separating clay and sand, and worked with the geochemists to update ties between mud gas and log data. The physical properties group defined the mixing trend and length scale of mixing from reaming while drilling based on drilling out cement. The structure and sedimentology groups continued to look through mud-rich sections but found some carbonate and sand and some cuttings with slicken lines. The first XRD and XRF data should be available soon. The photo shows a structure geologist Asuka Yamaguchi observing cuttings and dividing by lithology.

11.6, 2012
Day:37

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Pull out of the hole due to high current and strong wind. The scientists continued processing data during a day of waiting on weather. The logging group compared logs from C0002A and C0002F and started comparing repeat sections at C0002F. Mud gas data analysis now has mass spectrometer data, and scientists continue to look at types of gases and origins. Physical properties scientists finished their mixing analysis of the drilling cement in cuttings. The sedimentology and structure groups pushed forward on cuttings, and have started to see occurrences of different minerals and structures. Drilling ahead resumed near the end of the day.

11.5, 2012
Day:36

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Cloudy

Drill 12-1/4 inch LWD hole with under reamer. Repeat logging and pull out of the hole. The LWD scientists and geochemists continued their watchdog duties but also were processing and interpreting data. The sedimentology and physical properties groups have established good workflows, are producing data, and are keeping up with the cuttings flow. Both groups have noted better quality of the cuttings. In the daily science update, the expedition project manager Lena Maeda provided an update on operations, and then we had lively science discussions based on the logging presentation that compared the C0002A and C0002F logs and the geochemistry presentation on gas concentrations. Today we also started looking at data below 1400 meters below seafloor - new territory for Site C0002. As a special event for the day, all of the scientists had a chance to interact with Dr. Walter Munk who visited Chikyu. President Asahiko Taira was present to dedicate the shipboard library as the Walter Munk Library.

11.4, 2012
Day:35

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Drill 12-1/4 inch LWD hole with under reamer. Troubleshoot cuttings transfer screw. The library and lab areas, where scientists watch the displayed MWD live-stream and investigate cuttings for lithological compositions, structure and physical property, respectively, have now become a lively meeting place for scientific observation and discussions. After today's general update meeting run by the expedition project manager Lena Maeda, the first updates on real-time-monitoring results were summarized and presented by the Geochemistry and Logging groups, followed by in-depth discussion across the disciplines how to define or recognize the Unit boundary on top of the accretionary prism, which was crossed by the drilling last night. The photo shows cuttings sampling at shale shaker.

11.3, 2012
Day:34

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Drill 12-1/4 inch LWD pilot hole. Activate under reamer. Today, everybody was very excited to get many cuttings and first MWD/LWD data. Since early morning the LWD and geochemistry gas-monitoring team is watchdogging. Real-time logs are being compared with the C0002A logs. The Sedimentology and Structure groups are identifying the disappearance of cement and the integrity of the cuttings. And the Physical Property group further analysis data from the Leak-Of-Test in between measuring cuttings for moisture and density and magnetic susceptibility. So we are moving forward and people are excited. The photo shows a logging specialist checking real time data.

11.2, 2012
Day:33

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Cloudy

Making up and running in hole of LWD started with conducting shallow test for LWD function. Today we had the first co-chief scientist rotation. We said goodbye to Greg Moore, feeling sorry that he has to leave before the start of the MWD/LWD and cutting program. With Brandon Dugan as new onboard co-chief scientist, we now hope we will have good data, cuttings and cores for Greg, when he will come back for the cross-over period. Some scientists then watched the make-up of the MWD/LWD and under reamer assembly on the drill floor, went through their real-time monitoring (mud gas & MWD) and laboratory procedures once again and await the start of drilling ahead. The photo shows two co-chief scientists shaking hands: Greg temporarily retuned to home, Brandon started 49-day onboard life.

11.1, 2012
Day:32

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Cloudy

Displaced drilling mud in 20 inch casing and riser and condition it. Conducted leak of test at 20 inch casing and pulled out the assembly. The geochemists took the first mud gas sample after the hole was displaced with mud. After the Leak-off-Test at the first casing point, scientists eagerly discussed the first data points of our expedition in terms of downhole stress condition and its implication for the structural style of deformation in the lowermost part of the Kumano Basin sedimentary sequence. Even the core lab, finally, turned into a lively place when scientists gathered for looking at the first cuttings onboard, sampled during yesterday's drill-out-cement and drilling a few meters into the formation. We are glad that the scientific program of Expedition 338 started today and are ready for more activities. The photo shows a scientist and a lab tech checking the first cuttings during cement drilling.


October

10.31, 2012
Day:31

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Continued to run the drill out cement assembly in the hole. Troubleshoot hydraulic elevator and No.2 Tensioner. During today’s science meeting each group summarized previous findings from logging and coring at Site C0002. We had lively discussion about various lithological and structural features, physical property parameters and logging responses to be expected in the first section of our hole. We then watched the drill string rotating on the big TV screen installed in the library and got excited when the bit cut through cement and started to drill into the formation below the casing shoe. Another highlight was the Halloween party, during which scientists gathered together in the spooky science lounge and presented their creative costumes.

10.30, 2012
Day:30

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Cloudy

Troubleshoot on hydraulic elevator, ball valve and wash pipe of top drive. Science Party welcomed the expedition project manager Lena Maeda back on board. Also lab team exchanged some staff members, so technicians and scientists together confirmed again detail plans and procedures of cutting flow and laboratory analysis, respectively. Further activities included revisiting and refining core-log-seismic integration from previous site C0002 holes drilled nearby our borehole C0002F. We now are ready and eagerly looking forward to the start of the scientific program and first cuttings on deck. The photo shows sampling bottles waiting their turn.

10.29, 2012
Day:29

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Continued pressure test for the blow out preventer and pulled out isolation tool. Scientists started to adapt to their shift schedules today and went through another round of individual training programs with lab technicians again. In the afternoon engineers presented a lecture about the under reamer. While looking at the tools outside, lively discussion about how LWD and cuttings possibly are affected by the under reamer continued. Some scientists also had a tour to the mud logging unit.

10.28, 2012
Day:28

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Cloudy

Blow out preventer is now under processes of pressure test. The scientists enjoyed having the weekly fire and boat drill during today's rainy weather because it meant we could stay inside without wearing Personal Protective Equipment or life jackets. Following the drill, we had our cultural lesson in Japanese calligraphy. In the afternoon, Asuka Yamaguchi presented the last of our science party seminars on the results of an on-land drilling operation (NOBELL) into Kyushu's Nobeoka thrust.

10.27, 2012
Day:27

Location at 2400: At Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Another busy day of meetings -- in the morning, Yukari Kido gave a brief introduction to the logging tools that will be used on Expedition 338. In the afternoon, Susanna Webb gave a talk on calculating density, porosity and permeability from logs. We then met the Schlumberger logging engineers, who gave an additional presentation on their logging tools, followed by a trip a "tour" of the tools on deck. The motion of the ship has changed now that we are attached to the seafloor and a small swell has come up. This very exhausting day ended with the (now) daily continuation of the Science Party ping-pong championship (photo attached of match results table), as a well-deserved mental refresher.

10.26, 2012
Day:26

Location at 2400: 9 miles NW of Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Following a lively presentation by Andre Huepers the sedimentology and geological structure research group had two sessions on XRD/XRF. But the highlight of the day was watching the ROV camera as we arrived at the C0002F wellhead. More action came later in the evening when the BOP, blow out preventer was landed on the wellhead. We are now looking forward to drilling out cement and receiving Logging While Drilling data and cuttings. We also met with 2 representatives from the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) for K-IODP, aboard to film, review, and report on the expedition and the NanTroSEIZE project. The photo shows the BOP just before landing on the wellhead.

10.25, 2012
Day:25

Location at 2400: 20 miles northwest of Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Run BOP with riser fairing; drifting to wellhead. Today Insung Song presented research on lab measurements he performed. He squeezed samples from Site C0001 in a triaxial device to provide constraints on in situ stress and pore pressure near the tip of the megasplay fault. In preparation for receiving cuttings, we finalized the cuttings flow plan and decided on working shifts. The photo depicts the growing numbers of Mahi-Mahi which have decided to make Chikyu their new home.

10.24, 2012
Day:24

Location at 2400: 20 miles northwest of Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Run BOP and drifting to wellhead. After a science talk from Ravi Mishra, a "wet" run through the cuttings processing flow was completed. This worthwhile effort was accompanied by lively discussion and led to a revision of the processing flow. The photo shows Co-Chief Scientist Michael Strasser and Scientist Anja Schleicher discussing cuttings flow details in the lab with the techs and the Science Party.

10.23, 2012
Day:23

Location at 2400: In low current area 24.5 miles northwest of Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Rain

Run blow out preventer and riser joints with riser fairings. The science party was treated to a presentation on clay mineralogy and deformation of clay minerals by Anja Schleicher. Several scientists were pleased to find that talks on clay minerals could be so interesting and engaging. We then took a short break to watch the riser deployment before getting back to work on preparation for a "wet run" of cuttings processing/analysis. One scientist had a birthday, celebrated in the traditional manner.

10.22, 2012
Day:22

Location at 2400: In low current area 24.5 miles northwest of Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Clear

Troubleshoot hotline fluid leakage. Resume blow out preventer and riser running, adding fairings to reduce vortex induced vibrations. The science party was happy to see the riser deployment moving steadily along. They enjoyed a brief presentation by Andre Heupers of the Physical Property research group on his test of cuttings analysis. This was followed by lively discussions of the tectonics of the Philippine Sea Plate started by Kevin Pickering's talked based on Expedition 332 samples. Training on the X-ray CT system, interstitial water, and thin section making by the Lab techs preceded our traditional sunset watch from the helideck.

10.21, 2012
Day:21

Location at 2400: In low current area 24.5 miles northwest of Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Sunny Sunday, safety drill, another beautiful sunset and the Orionids meteor shower were pleasant alternating moments, while science activities with analytical trainings for individual specialties groups and calibration / error analysis from measurements on cuttings continued throughout the day. Today's science seminar talk had Katelyn Olcott presenting her research related to stress estimated from borehole breakouts and Measurement While Drilling data. Troubleshooting damage to riser conduit line and fluid leakage in hot line. The photo depicts the derrick as we tried to watch for shooting stars.

10.20, 2012
Day:20

Location at 2400: In low current area 24.5 miles northwest of Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°20’E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Fine-tuning cutting flow and analysis procedures in the core lab continued today, with test runs sieving and measuring physical properties on leftover cuttings from previous riser operations. During the afternoon science seminar Toru Takeshita presented a talk on "weakening caused by coupled micro-faulting and pressure solution creep within the frictional-viscous transition zone", which triggered stimulating discussions. In the late afternoon, we watched a beautiful sunset, while also keeping an eye on the operations on the drill floor, where riser joints are being connected one-after-the-other to further run the blow out preventer into the deep waters of the Kumano Basin. A photo showing the first (of many) writing deadlines for the science party.

10.19, 2012
Day:19

Location at 2400: In low current area 24.5 miles northwest of Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°18’N, 136°38’E
Weather: Partly cloudy

Applause during the daily 10 AM science-party meeting, when Expedition Project Manager Sean Toczko announced that operations will be resumed today. After the afternoon science seminar talk by Sebastian Hammerschmidt on mud gas logging, fluid sampling and Nankai Trough observatories, the science party watched the blow out preventer being safely run into the sea from the forward pipe deck. Further activities today included finalizing the first drafts of the methods chapters and continued training on analytical instruments for the individual specialty groups. The photo depicts Co-Chief Scientist Michael Strasser inspecting the upper section of the underreamer tool.

10.18, 2012
Day:18

Location at 2400: In low current area 24.5 miles northwest of Hole C0002F wellhead, 33°40’N, 136° 25’E
Weather: Overcast

We are still waiting on weather and use the extra time for further in depth discussion within and across specialty groups aiming at further improving cutting processing flow and analysis in the lab. Thin sections from cutting chips collected during previous riser expeditions are being prepared for investigating contamination effects by drilling mud. During today's science meeting Maria-Jose Jurado gave a lecture on how to interpret logs from logging while drilling data. The photo depicts cuttings samples selected for thin section preparation while scientists discuss details with Lab Techs.

10.17, 2012
Day:17

Location at 2400: Low current area 23 miles northwest of Site C0002, 33° 18’ N, 136° 20’ E
Weather: Cloudy

Wait on weather. Observe course of Typhoon Prapiroon and Tropical Storm Maria. Scientists and lab technicians performed cutting dry run to learn and discuss all steps of the cutting work flow. In the afternoon, meetings were held to inform the scientists about IODP publications and Core-Log-Seismic-Integration Software onboard. Individual groups continued discussing details of their workflow and writing method chapters.

10.16, 2012
Day:16

Location at 2400: Northwest of Site C0002, 33° 18’ N, 136° 38’ E
Weather: Partly Cloudy

Wait on weather. Observe course of Typhoon Prapiroon and Tropical Storm Maria. Move vessel to 23 miles Northwest of Site C0002. Science party looked at cores from Site C0002 and discussed about the unconformity between the accretionary prism and the basal forearc basin succession, to be drilled and analyzed by cuttings and logs at the beginning of our Expedition 338 riser operations. In the afternoon co-chief Greg Moore presented an overview about regional tectonics and the evolution of the Nankai Trough. Further activities included writing on the method chapters and discussion about which LWD data will be of particular interest and use for the different science groups and how integration between the different dataset can be established.

10.15, 2012
Day:15

Location at 2400: Helicopter meeting point, 33° 536’ N, 136° 446’ E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

We are still waiting on weather while the science party had discussions for writing plan, training for cuttings handling, etc. Science Party members continued looking at cores and familiarized themselves with data, reports and post-cruise publications from Site C0002, drilled and logged during previous Expeditions 314 and 315. A short general science-party meeting was held in the morning. During the afternoon meeting we started our expedition seminar series with a talk by Jacob Geersen presenting his research on mass wasting and active tectonic processes along the Chilean subduction zone. The photo shows one of scientists gave a presentation about his present studies.

10.14, 2012
Day:14

Location at 2400: Low current area (23 nmi of northwest of C0002), 33° 36’ N, 136° 22’ E
Weather: Overcast

Operation status remained waiting on weather. After emergency ship drill, a general science-party meeting was held to provide updates on the current schedule and future activities. In the afternoon the science party got a tour to the rig floor, shale shaker and moon pool area to see the BOP and riser pipes. Further activities included to start looking at cores from the lowermost part cored at Site C0002 Hole B during Exp. 315. The photo shows scientists looking at BOP.

10.13, 2012
Day:13

Location at 2400: Low current area (23 nmi of northwest of C0002), 33° 36’ N, 136° 22’ E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Wait on weather. Observe course of the typhoon. Move vessel to 23 nmi of northwest of C0002 due to current speed increasing at the previous area. Group A scientists including Co-Chiefs Gregory Moore and Michael Strasser and EPM Sean Toczko embarked by helicopter. They attended the ship safety induction and lab safety tour as the first day of onboard life. The photo shows scientists arrival.

10.12, 2012
Day:12

Location at 2400: Low current area (20.8 nmi of northwest of C0002), 33° 33’ N, 136°21’ E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Wait on weather. Observe course of the typhoon. Rig down VIV monitoring cable reel. Pick up BOP and secure. Laboratories preparation also completed to welcome scientists. The photo shows sunshine in this morning.

10.11, 2012
Day:11

Location at 2400: Low current area (20.8 nm of northwest of C0002), 33° 33’ N, 136° 21’ E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

BOP and riser were recovered onboard to get ready for typhoon evacuation. The photo shows lab techs checking tools for cuttings handling in Core Cutting Area.

10.10, 2012
Day:10

Location at 2400: Low current area (20.8 nm of northwest of C0002), 33° 33’ N, 136° 21’ E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Wait on weather. Observe course of typhoon. Perform current survey by patrol boat. Loading centralizer and stop collar for casing from supply boat. The photo shows a supply boat loading/offloading mud tank.

10.9, 2012
Day:9

Location at 2400: Low current area (20.8 nm of northwest of C0002), 33° 33’ N, 136° 21’ E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Continue to run BOP and riser. Wait on weather. Observe course of typhoon. The photo shows tool and procedure check for cuttings paleomagnetics measurement by lab techs.

10.8, 2012
Day:8

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 33° 33’ N, 136° 21’ E
Weather: Overcast

Move vessel to low current area. Complete final function test of BOP. Run BOP and riser. Photos show BOP staying at the sea surface.

10.7, 2012
Day:7

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 33° 29’ N, 136° 25’ E
Weather: Overcast

Move vessel to transponder deployment points. Dive ROV and deploy transponders. Recover ROV. Move vessel to calibration point for dynamic positioning. Move vessel to low current area for riser running. Move BOP on BOP cart and well center. Connect instrument riser joint to BOP. The photo shows riser joint on the rig floor.

10.6, 2012
Day:6

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 33° 18’ N, 136° 37’ E
Weather: Overcast

Recover ROV with moving vessel 4.5 miles to East. Check ROV system. Conduct seabed survey with ROV and completed. Deploy transponder. Prepare to run riser. The photo shows a ship crew working for BOP and riser with a device for work at height in the rig floor.

10.5, 2012
Day:5

Location at 2400: Site C0002, 33° 17’ N, 136° 14’ E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Continue to move vessel to Site C0002. Change to Dynamic Positioning mode at 20 miles northwest of Site C0002. Commerce seabed survey for route check with ROV. Recover corrosion cap and clean up wellhead with ROV. Found no damage on the wellhead. Makeup landing strings. Prepare to run riser. Conduct function test of acoustic system. Photo shows preparation of transponder deployment.

10.4, 2012
Day:4

Location at 2400: Transit to Site C0002, 33° 57’ N, 137° 02’ E
Weather: Fine but cloudy

Move vessel to Site C0002. Make up 5-7/8 inch drill pipe stand.

10.3, 2012
Day:3

Location at 2400: Shimizu port, Japan
Weather: Overcast

Loading and offloading materials. Rig maintenance. Continue BOP function test and pressure test.

10.2, 2012
Day:2

Location at 2400: Shimizu port, Japan
Weather: Overcast

Port call at Shimizu port. Loading 16 inch casing pipe, LWD unit, riser fairing, cement, lab equipment and ship provision. Conduct BOP function test and pressure test. ROV test dive.

10.1, 2012
Day:1

Location at 2400: North of Izu-oshima, Japan
Weather: Fine but cloudy

IODP expedition 338 "NanTroSEIZE Stage 3: NanTroSEIZE plate boundary deep riser 2" officially started from 0000h on 1 10.2012. This expedition is aimed for riser drilling, analyses of cuttings and limited cores (2300-2400 meters below seafloor), LWD, and casing to the target depth of 3600 m at Site C0002.