August 31, 2009 (Day 114)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: Port of Yokkaichi, Japan
The science party finalized Site C0010 reports, and ready for delivery to publication team. Basic analysis of LWD data for Site C0011 was left aboard for Expedition 322 science party who will work with the dataset. We (the entire science party from groups A and B) would like to extend a tremendous "Thank You" to all involved in making this ambitious first riser expedition in IODP a success, including the OSI's Sawada-san and Abe-san, CDEX operations group, drilling engineers, Lab technicians, and the entire drilling crew and ship's crew. We deeply appreciate everybody's hard work and cooperation over the past 114 days. Thanks!
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 30, 2009 (Day 113)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT1-07, Hole C0011A (32°50’N / 136°53’E)
We began pulling out the assemble from the hole after circulating the hole at 0:00. The science party finalized Site C0010 reports. We also loaded the data and began basic analysis of LWD data for Site C0011, in order to provide a smooth transition to the Expedition 322 science party who will work with the dataset.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 29, 2009 (Day 112)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT1-07, Hole C0011A (32°50’N / 136°53’E)
Drilling at C0011A site continued until 23:50 to reach the Taget Depth of 952 meters below the seafloor. Real-time LWD data sent through 5 km drill pipe by mud pulse looked beautiful. More detailed data will be obtained from memory in the tool when we recover the bottom hole LWD assembly on deck. We continued with the endless editing process on the expedition report to make sure that activities here are completely documented and in good shape.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 28, 2009 (Day 111)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT1-07, Hole C0011A (32°50’N / 136°53’E)
Operations today continued with washing to 41 meters below seafloor (mbsf) at Site C0011 (Proposed Site NT1-07). After this, we began drilling with MWD/LWD from 41 to 570 mbsf. Hole conditions were good, and the average rate of penetraion was about 30-35 m/hr. The science party continued their work on reports for Site C0010. The scientists also began preliminary work on the real-time LWD/MWD data (gamma ray and resistivity) for Site C0011, as well as setting up databases, in order to ensure a smooth transition to the Expedition 322 science party in the coming days. In addition, equipment from the observatory dummy run and the contingency smartplug were offloaded for Shingu tonight.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 27, 2009 (Day 110)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT1-07, Hole C0011A (32°50’N / 136°53’E)
At 22:45 on 26 August, we started drilling Hole C0011A at proposed site NT1-07. Prior to drilling, we had a pre-spud meeting to confirm procedures, target depth, schedule, expected geology, and precautions in drilling this location. On starting drilling, we checked the seafloor depth very slowly by gamma ray data from the LWD tool. Our plan for this location is to drill as deep as possible to obtain lithological information from resistivity and gamma-ray logging while drilling.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 26, 2009 (Day 109)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT1-07 (32°50’N / 136°53’E)
Chikyu was moved to Site NT1-07. After arriving on site, 6 transponders were dropped to the seafloor. We extend our thanks to Shomei Kobayashi, who visited Chikyu for the last several days to work with the operations group and scientists onboard. We also welcomed Moe Kyaw-Thu, who arrived today as CDEX Logging Staff Scientist to work with the science party on the LWD data from the next site. The science party continued their work on reports for Site C0010. In addition, Drs. Araki, Kopf, Saffer, and Kitada discussed design modifications for future observatory installations with the OSI (Abe) and drilling engineer (Kawano) based on experience with the strong current at Site C0010.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 25, 2009 (Day 108)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
On 24 August, we completed Hole C0010A by placing a corrosion cap on the wellhead by ROV. After that, some acoustic transponders were recovered by ROV. The remaining transponders were acoustically released and recovered by the supply ship. On deck, preparation for the drilling at the next Site NT1-07 continued with making up stands of drill pipes and the LWD bottom hole assembly. Scientists were all busy working on the revision of expedition report, and the EPM and lab techs were also busy on sorting many kinds of logistics for the coming end of the expedition.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 24, 2009 (Day 107)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
The retrievable casing packer and pressure/temperature instrument package was run to the wellhead, and we confirmed visually by ROV that it remained intact prior to re-entry. The assembly was successfully re-entered into the borehole and the packer set at about 07:45. The instrument package is currently set at about 22 m above the top of the screened interval at the mega-splay fault, and marks the fist long-term monitoring equipment installation in NanTroSEIZE and for Chikyu. After pulling out of the hole, operations continued with drifting and preparation for setting the corrosion cap by ROV. The science party continued to work on analysis of LWD data from Site C0010, and on the last remaining sections of the Site C0009 report, after receiving a few pending items. The scientists began preparations for the end of expedition, including discussion of post-expedition research plans, and packing of equipment. The science party also discussed the details of upcoming additional LWD operations at proposed Site NT1-07.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 23, 2009 (Day 106)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Temporary borehole instrument package to measure formation pressure and temperature in C0010A hole was connected to a retrievable casing packer and a running tool this morning. Then, the package was run into the sea with drill string to the depth of 1070 m before drifting slowly at 1.2 kts to the borehole location while continue lowering the drill string. Chikyu moved slowly enough so as to not induce strong vibration from the current flow around the drill string. Onboard observatory scientists discussed the vibration in the drill pipe under strong sea currents as we faced during dummy run test at Site C0010, and also discussed the effects of the vibration on our observatory installation, including possible scenarios to reduce them. Scientists worked hard to write up results from C0010A hole and we began the reviewing process.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 22, 2009 (Day 105)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Operations continued today with the second observatory "dummy run", which included an accelerometer and a dummy strainmeter having the same dimensions and mass as the real strainmeter. We continued drifting to the site and running the assembly to the wellhead. We then re-entered the hole and repeated the simulated re-entry a total of three times to simulate and record the shock to the instrument assembly during hole re-entry. After this we pulled to the surface and recovered the assembly, and then moved to a low current area to begin making up the bridge plug and smart plug assembly. On behalf of the shipboard scientists, we would like to thank OSI Ikuo Sawada, who rotated off on the first helicopter flight today, for his help in the scientific and operational success at Site C0010. The science party continued to work on data analysis and reports for Site C0010, and on the pending components of the Site C0009 report. In addition, Achim Kopf, Sean Toczko, and Demian Saffer prepared the pressure and temperature sensor package on the drill floor, to be made up with the retrievable casing packer for hole suspension in upcoming operations.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 21, 2009 (Day 104)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
The dummy run instruments at the end of drill string suffered significant continuous vibration due to the strong Kuroshio current over 4.5 kts. Significant effect of the vibration to the instruments was identified during visual inspection by ROV in the evening of 19 August. The strainmeter and tubing below the instrument carrier of the dummy run assembly have significant mechanical failures. Therefore, we decided to pull out the dummy run instrument to the deck to inspect the condition of instruments and carrier, and the assembly was recovered on deck. Strengthening the dummy run assembly structure was necessary to tolerate the current induced vibration. Engineers worked hard to spot weakness on the dummy run assembly and treatments to reduce effect from vibration were implemented. From the morning of 20 August, we assembled the dummy run instruments for the second run, similar to the first, but with "dummy" instruments except for the accelerometer to measure vibration and shock acceleration. We successfully ran it into the water around 15:00 h. Chikyu carefully lowered it in low current area and slowly started drifting to the borehole with the ROV in the water.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 20, 2009 (Day 103)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Yesterday, operations included drifting to the site and running the observatory dummy run instruments. Drifting was suspended due to high current that exceeded the ROV launching criteria. After moving back to a low current area and launching the ROV, the dummy Bottom-Hole-Assembly (BHA) had a failure. We then decided to run the BHA back to the surface to inspect the carrier and re-secure the instruments before re-attempting the dummy run. The science party and Co-Chief Scientists continued to work on pending components of the Site C0009 report. The science party also continued analysis of LWD data from Site C0010, including log-seismic integration and comparison with Site C0004.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 19, 2009 (Day 102)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
We ran our long-term observatory instruments into the water for dummy run testing at C0010A hole. It was started from 07:00 in low current area finding best length of tubing below the sensitive borehole instrument section by checking vibration of tubing string in the water at various depth. We noticed string vibrates significantly when the bottom of tubing is located at certain depth. Then we made up tubing section with temperature logger near the bottom, connecting above a set of instruments comprising future long-term observatory, a borehole strainmeter, an instrument carrier that houses two broadband seismometers, an accelerometer, eight temperature loggers. Finally, the instrument section was lowered with four 3-1/2 inch tubings to connect to the drill string. Thanks to careful and elegant operation made by engineers, the instruments were successfully assembled and started their journey to the seafloor borehole before 15:00. After lowering our instruments to 1022 m below the zone of strong surface current, Chikyu started to drift slowly at 1 kt to the location of the hole to re-enter, while lowering of the instrument continued to 1700 m below seafloor.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 18, 2009 (Day 101)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
After moving to a low-current area (about 7 miles from the drill site), we ran the scraper assembly. After re-entering the hole, the scraper was run to the Target Depth. The science party continued to work on pending components of the Site C0009 report, which is now almost complete. They also continued analysis of LWD data from Site C0010. Final preparations were made for the observatory instrument dummy run. This included final mounting of instruments to the instrument carrier, banding, and placement of the miniature temperature loggers. In addition, final preparations were made for the pressure and temperature sensor package to be deployed below the retrievable casing packer; these were re-assembled and sealed.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 17, 2009 (Day 100)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
After completing cementing on 15th, we pulled out of the hole and moved Chikyu to low current area to prepare for a scraper run to clean the surface of casing in hole C0010A before running in the hole for the scientific operations such as sensor dummy run test for future long-term observatory and installation of a bridge plug that can measure pore-fluid pressure at the fault zone.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 16, 2009 (Day 99)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
We ran 9-5/8 inch casing and drifted to Site C0010. After re-entering the hole with casing, we ran casing into the hole and landed the casing hanger around 15:15. After pressure testing the cementing line, the casing was cemented. The science party continued to complete the pending components of the Site C0009 report. We held a meeting to discuss final elements of the seismic - logging - cuttings well tie at Site C0009, which was delayed for some time while we confirmed the results of the checkshot (zero offset VSP). Most of the science party's efforts focused on comparison of Site C0010 data with those from Site C0004. The logging data were analyzed for borehole breakouts to provide stress orientation data, and for fractures to more clearly define the fault zones.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 15, 2009 (Day 98)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
9-5/8 inch casings for Hole C0010A were prepared in low current area. The casing assembly has a screened section to measure changes in pore-fluid pressure in the fault zone. The screened casing is important for the future long-term observatory in Hole C0010A, because it enables access to deeper formations for seismometers and strainmeter placement, while providing pressure measurements at the fault depth. We carefully adjusted the depth of screen in the casing assembly by examination of LWD data so that we can precisely spot the fault by the long-term observatory. After lowering the casing string to 1700 mbsf to avoid the strong Kuroshio Current, Chikyu slowly drifted to Hole C0010A to place the casing string in the hole.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 14, 2009 (Day 97)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
After reaching Taget Depth, a wiper trip was conducted. The science party obtained the re-logged LWD data. We discussed to determine the depth of fault at which we will set screens as a part of 9-5/8 inch casing for pressure monitoring. Preparation for the dummy run test for the long-term observatory is ongoing. The test is planned after setting casing in the C0010A hole. Before sunset, compatibility of the long-term observatory instrument carrier with 9-5/8 inch casing was confirmed by pushing the carrier through casing on deck. Dr. Kazuya Kitada tested the strainmeter and accelerometer, which comprise a part of the long-term observatory, for the dummy run. They are all working as expected. These instruments will be attached to the instrument carrier before running into the borehole. Drs. Demian Saffer and Achim Kopf checked the function of the pressure monitoring instrument package that will be installed in this borehole. They monitored data from the pressure gauges in the laboratory and the sensor was working properly.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 13, 2009 (Day 96)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Yesterday, we drilled forward toward the Taget Depth, the hole was reamed and re-logged by LWD to help constrain the depth of the splay fault using resistivity and gamma-ray data. We then resumed drilling the 12-1/4 inch hole and reached to our Target Depth of 555 meters below the seafloor at 17:30.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 12, 2009 (Day 95)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: The evacuation site: 13 mile SE off Tanabe port
The Chikyu was waiting on weather at the evacuation site SE off Tanabe port and moved to the site from midnight. Drilling LWD was restarted.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 11, 2009 (Day 94)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: The evacuation site: 13 mile SE off Tanabe port
Operations today consisted of continuing to move the vessel to shelter water, and waiting on weather in DP mode at the evacuation site SE off Tanabe port. The science party worked with the MWD/LWD data downloaded from tool memory. This included analyzing resistivity and gamma ray data, as well as mapping fractures and breakouts in the GvR resistivity images. At 19:30, we held a very productive science meeting to discuss emerging preliminary results. This included a lively discussion of formation properties in the thrust wedge (hanging wall of the megasplay fault), the nature of the fault zone, and the placement of screened intervals of the casing for observatory objectives. LWD engineer also joined this discussion and provided insight about tool response and data quality.
Best regards,
Eiichiro Araki, Demian Saffer and Sean Toczko
August 10, 2009 (Day 93)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J, Hole C0010A (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Operations continued today with drilling 12 1/4 inch hole using MWD/LWD at Site C0010A, to 482 meters below seafloor. We obtained real-time data during this phase, including image data. We began pulling out of the hole in order to prepare for evacuation for a tropical depression forecast to pass by the drillsite. At 22:30 the drillpipe was pulled to the surface and we began moving away from the storm's predicted path. We bid a fond farewell to Co-Chief scientist Lisa McNeill, who left this morning. Thanks to Lisa for her hard work and great leadership of Expedition 319. We also welcomed Co-Chief scientist Eiichiro Araki onboard this morning. Araki was on board as a Co-Chief scientist in the first three weeks of Expedition 319, and will remain through the end of the expedition. The science party continued to work with the real-time LWD and MWD data (resistivity and gamma logs) to assess characteristics of the slope apron, thrust wedge, and probable overridden slope apron sediment (i.e. the footwall of the megasplay). The science party also continued their preparation for working with the memory data from the LWD tools at Site C0010 by reviewing LWD and coring data from Site C0004.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill, Eiichiro Araki and Sean Toczko
August 9, 2009 (Day 92)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Drilling the 12 1/4 inch MWD/LWD hole continued today, from 176 - 376 meters LWD depth below seafloor, with an average Rate of Penetration of 16.6 m/hr during drilling. No problems with hole condition were encountered, but stick slip was observed. The hole was re-logged and reamed in a few locations due to concerns over data quality related to the stick-slip. Operations also included racking 9 5/8 inch casing in preparation for casing operations at this site. We also learned of a tropical depression that is projected to pass by the drilling site, and discussed operational plans for leaving the site if necessary due to wind or swell conditions. The science party began looking at the real-time LWD and MWD data (resistivity and gamma logs) to assess characteristics of the slope apron and thrust wedge material, in preparation for working with the full dataset downloaded from the tools when they are pulled out of the hole. The science party also continued their preparation to provide input for selecting the screened interval at Site C0010 at the megasplay fault depth, by uploading and working with LWD data from Site C0004. The last science party of the day was held to bid Lisa a farewell, as she is scheduled to leave tomorrow.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill and Sean Toczko
August 8, 2009 (Day 91)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Operations today included running the 12 1/4 inch drilling assembly to 1700 meters below rotary table (mbrt), the water depth at Site C0010A is 2523.7 mMSL, and drifting to the drill site. This was followed by running to about 2500 mbrt, entering the hole at around 13:15, and drilling with LWD/MWD to 176 m LWD depth below seafloor. The science party continued to work on finishing the report for Site C0009, and began preparing to analyze data from Site C0010 by examining LWD and coring results from the previously drilled nearby Site C0004. After receiving input from the NanTroSEIZE project management team (PMT) and CDEX office, the co-chief scientists, EPM, and OSI also revised contingency plans to include LWD at Site NT1-07.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill and Sean Toczko
August 7, 2009 (Day 90)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Installation of the guide horn continued. After this was completed at around 08:00, the 12 1/4 inch drilling assembly was made up, and run to 980 meters below rotary table. The OSI, OIM, co-chief scientists, and EPM discussed possible contingency options in the case that extra time may be available at the end of Expedition #319. The science party held a meeting over the late morning and early afternoon to discuss some "big picture" science questions raised by drilling results at Site C0009, including those related to the tectonic history of the Kumano Basin and underlying accretionary wedge, and to the stress conditions in the overriding plate of the subduction plate boundary. Two members of the science party - Achim Kopf (Univ. Bremen) and Koji Kameo (Chiba Univ.) - were scheduled to arrive on the second helicopter flight today, which was cancelled due to weather; we look forward to seeing them tomorrow.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill and Sean Toczko
August 6, 2009 (Day 89)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: NT2-01J (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Operations continued with running 20 inch casing, followed by spudding Site C0010A by jetting in 40 meters of 20 inch casing, and then pulling out of the hole. The ship was moved and ROV recovered, and installation of the guide horn for drilling the 12 1/4 inch MWD/LWD hole was begun. The science party worked on final aspects of the Site report for C0009 and finished sampling of the geotech cores. The science party also worked to check the temporary observatory instruments planned for installation beneath the bridge plug at Site C0010A.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill and Sean Toczko
August 5, 2009 (Day 88)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: Nearby NT2-01J (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Operations continued with drifting with the current to Site NT2-01J, and deploying the ROV in preparation for jetting in the 20-inch casing. Casing was run from 1500 to 1700 meter below rotary table (mbrt). The science party held a sampling party for the geotechnical core from the upper section, which included flagging samples for the group A scientists, and taking samples for both groups A and B.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill and Sean Toczko
August 4, 2009 (Day 87)
Weather: Cloudy
Location: Nearby NT2-01J (33°12’N / 136°41’E)
Operations continued with preparing the wellhead for Site NT2-01J, running 20 inch casing and recovering the ROV. Sampling for cuttings (for both groups A and B) was conducted over the afternoon and evening. The science party held a brief meeting in the evening to review highlights from each disciplinary group for Site C0009.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill and Sean Toczko
August 3, 2009 (Day 86)
Weather: Rainy
Location: NT2-01J (33°13’N / 136°47’E)
Operations continued with making up the jetting Bottom-Hole Assembly and for the 20 inch casing. The ROV conducted the seafloor survey at Site NT2-01J and deployed 5 transponders. The science party held a sampling party for the Site C0009A core and cuttings. This included flagging of personal samples for the group B scientists. Sampling was conducted over the afternoon and evening for Group A and B scientists, primarily by the lab technicians. The science party also continued working to finalize their reports for Site C0009.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill and Sean Toczko
August 2, 2009 (Day 85)
Weather: Rainy
Location: NT2-01J (33°13’N / 136°47’E)
Today's operations consisted of transiting to Site NT2-01J. The ROV was launched in preparation for the seabed survey and deployment transponders. The science party continued working to finalize data and reports for Site C0009. Preparations continued for the observatory sensor "dummy run" planned for Site NT2-01J.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill and Sean Toczko
August 1, 2009 (Day 84)
Weather: Rainy
Location: NT2-11B, Hole C0009A (33°27’N / 136°32’E)
The ROV continued operations to retrieve transponders and set the corrosion cap at Site C0009A. After this, preparations were made for moving to the planned riserless Site NT2-01J. Site C0009A was completed at midnight. The science party continued working on data and reports for Site C0009. We extend our thanks to Yukari Kido (Logging Staff Scientist), who departed this morning, for all of her hard work in helping the science party with wireline logging data, and welcomed Moe Kyaw Thu who joined us today.
Best regards,
Demian Saffer, Lisa McNeill and Sean Toczko
