Weather: Overcast
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
As of 0400 this morning, we have finished the deployment of the Long Term Borehole Monitoring System at Site C0002, Hole C0002G, as the CORK running tool was unlatched from the CORK head. We tested the sensors prior to cementing, and will test the CORK-mounted pressure sensor unit during the next ROV dive. With the "SmartPlug" observatory data, we now have the first long-term data set from NanTroSEIZE.
Combined with the GeniusPlug and LTBMS at C0002G, we now have a transect of paired observatories.
We would like to acknowledge all the assistance and hard work of the Operation Superintendent and Engineers of CDEX, and the OIM, and Chikyu MQJ crew. Their efforts ensured that we would have a safe and trouble-free deployment of all our tools and observatories.
Weather: Rain
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We have spent the day drifting back to Hole C0002G, taking time to check the sensors below the CORK head and also running sensor tests on the CORK head via ROV to confirm that the electrical cables and sensors are still operating normally. We anticipate running the observatory assembly into the hole, with further testing of sensors before finishing Exp 332 operations.
Weather: Rain
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We have run the completion assembly into the moon pool, and tested the underwater mateable connectors via ROV. The test was successful, and we have run the assembly down to 1800 m, attaching anti-VIV ropes. The weather was rainy with lighting storms in the evening, but we seem to be making good progress to re-enter Hole C0002G.
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We have finished the testing of the hydraulic cables, after termination, and also the final CORK preparation - the ROV platform has been attached. The entire assembly was run into the moon pool, and anti-VIV ropes began to be run on the drillpipe as it went down. Once the CORK reached 300 m, the ROV rendezvoused with the CORK, performed a visual inspection of the bottom assembly from the miniscreens at the bottom up to the CORK head and running tool. The next step will be another system check, as the ROV removes the dummy underwater mateable connectors and connects the ROV data cable to each of the three cables in turn.
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
Today we made up and connected the CORK and CORK running tool, and ran them down through the rotary table. The next 24 hours will be dedicated to terminating the electrical cables and flatpack, and running a systems check on the sensors. The weather and current are cooperating, but we will need to wait while the termination sets before running into the water.
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We have been running the completion assembly in the low current area, and the revised running procedures have greatly improved running time.
We are looking forward to getting the CORK head moved into the moon pool and begin termination of the downhole cables as soon as possible. The weather is improving, so we do not anticipate any more delays due to wave action or winds.
Weather: Rain
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We continued running the completion assembly into the hole at 335m.
Systems check performed after passing cables through packer.
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We began running the completion assembly into the water, binding cables, flat pac, hydraulic lines from the BOP cart above the moon pool.
Weather: Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We moved Chikyu to the low current area, in preparation for running the observatory completion assembly. Final preparation work for the running, the sensor carrier & instruments, preparing the strainmeter were carried out once we reached the area. We plan on running as soon as all preparations are complete. There is a cold front approaching, so we are watching how it develops.
Weather:Partly Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We have arrived back at Site C0002, Hole C0002G, and re-entered the hole with little difficulty, drilling out cement, performing a wiper trip, and spotting gel and heavy brine. Simultaneously, the sensor carrier instruments were checked and fitted to the sensor carrier, and the strainmeter was prepped for adding cement to fill the joint gaps. CORK #1 pressure tests were finished, confirming that there are no apparent leaks. After hole operations were completed, Chikyu began moving to the low current area, due to arrive early morning.
Weather:Partly Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We spent cruising back to Site C0002. En-route, we continued with the sensor testing and the pressure testing on the CORK head. Once back at Hole C0002G, we will drill out the cement, and spot gel in the hole.
Weather:Partly Cloudy
Location:Move to Site C0002
Yesterday we moved back to the port of Shimizu, to conduct loading and offloading. We also spent the day working on the strainmeter, repairing it dockside. At 20:00 hrs, we left port, and headed back to Site C0002.
Weather:Partly Cloudy
Location:Port of Shimizu
We recovered the cementing assembly to the rig floor. The scientists spent the time working on reports and on pressure testing the CORK tubing. Portcall at Shimizu for loading the Long Term Borehole
Monitoring System.
Weather:Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
Today we finished drifting to Hole C0002G and re-entered, landing the casing on the casing hanger. After casing was run and set, cementing operations were run and completed. Once finished, the borehole assembly was retrieved and we began recovering drill pipe on deck. We will start moving towards Shimizu once we have the assembly on the rig floor.
Weather:Partly Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
Drifting to Hole C0002G with casing pipe. Run casing into wellhead and cement. Worked on testing the CORK sensor data streams, worked on writing site chapters.
Weather:Partly Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We ran casing into the rotary table while drifting, and then spent the rest of the day drifting to Hole C0002G. We also worked on Site Chapters and are waiting for the final logging data set to be delivered by the Logging engineers.
Weather:Rain
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We have started running the 9 5/8 inch casing into the hole, in preparation for returning to Hole C0002G. We had a mini post-operation meeting with the LWD Engineers. The weather has been rainy, so the crew have been taking extra precautions working on deck.
Weather:Partly cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
After some late nights, we have finally settled and agreed on the final casing and observatory configuration for Hole C0002G. We are currently preparing for casing the hole. The weather has gotten worse, with rain and thunderstorms on the way.
Weather:Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We have been drilling C0002G with both the 12 1/4 inch borehole assembly, and now the 10 5/8 inch assembly to Total Depth, 980 meters below seafloor.
Correlating LWD resistivity and GR data with previous IODP Exp 314 data from Site C0002. Discussed and decided casing strategy, screen intervals, and Observatory sensor positions in hole.
Weather:Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We have been proceeding very nicely with the LWD drilling so far at Hole C0002G. We are going to finish the hole to the planned Total Depth of 980 mbsf with the 10 5/8 inch borehole assembly starting once we re-enter the hole. The weather has been cooperating, and everyone is looking forward to completing the hole as soon as possible.
Weather:Partly Cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
Drill 12 1/4 inch LWD/MWD hole, short wiper trip to 20 inch casing shoe, and return to drilling 12 1/4 inch hole. We are finding very good correlations between the Unit boundaries identified during IODP Exp 314, Hole C0002A, and the present Hole C0002G. Depth differences tend to be less than 5 meters, and we are able to identify 1 meter interval differences in the LWD data.
Hole condition has been good so far.
Weather:Cloudy, rain
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
Made up and ran 12 1/4 inch LWD assembly (Logging While Drilling), drifted.
Began LWD drilling and collecting data. Start receiving LWD data, and correlate resistivity and natural gamma ray data with previous IODP Exp 314 data from Site C0002.
Weather:cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We drifted while running the LWD assembly (Logging While Drilling), and consulted with the LWD Engineers, OSI, and logging staff scientist about the LWD plan for Hole C0002G. The weather cooperated and cleared up by noon, allowing the CORK running tool to be offloaded to the patrol boat for Shipment to Shingu.
Weather:Partly cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We jetted in to Hole C0002G. We completed operations today by pulling out jet-in assembly and drifting to low current area to off-load CORK running tool. Co-Chief and Science Party checked on #2 CORK head modifications and welding. Weather improving.
Weather:Partly cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
Run 20 inch conductor assembly, mudmat and wellhead into moonpool to 1860 meters below rotary table, and drift to Site C0002. Today we continued working with the welder, improving the design and scope of the CORK head and pressure sensor carrier modifications. The scientists have been working on the Site chapter for Site C0010. Weather has taken a slight turn for the worse, but should improve tomorrow.
Weather:Partly cloudy
Location:Site C0002, Nankai Trough
We have been working on getting some modifications done to the 2 CORK head assemblies here on board, after consulting with the OSI and ship's welder. We followed up on welding work, and also provided details about the shielding for the pressure unit carrier on the CORK head to the welder. The weather is cooperating, and we expect to spend another day drifting to reach Site C0002.
Weather:Partly cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
Today we pull out the running tool assembly from Hole C0010A, and retrieved drill pipe on deck while the ROV set the corrosion cap and recovered the transponders. Once completed, we will move to low current area for running 20" casing jet in at Site C0002.
Weather:Partly cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
We successfully ran the casing packer assembly and GENIUSplug assembly into Hole C0010A, and set the packer, displaced suspension fluid and began recovering drillpipe and the running tool borehole assembly. We also we joined by the CDEX Logging Staff Scientist (LSS) in yesterday's crew change. We are looking forward to starting C0002 operations, and will be having a meeting to discuss the strategy for deploying the CORK.
Weather:Partly cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
We continued running the borehole assembly GENIUSPlug into the water while drifting to Site C0010. We were successful today in stabbing the assembly in, with very little difficulty. The weather continues to improve, and we should be able to complete the well today, barring any unforeseen setbacks. Checked CORK head and pressure unit carrier with OSI & ROV pilot. Some modifications will be needed to prevent cable damage and to assist recovery in future operations.
Weather:Partly cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
We ran the casing packer assembly with "GENIUS-Plug" in the low current area today. Once we reach 2500 meters below the rotary table, we will drift to Site C0010. The weather is improving today, and will continue to improve tomorrow.
Weather:Cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
Running 9-5/8 inch scraper assembly while drifting, recovering ROV and moving back upstream to redive ROV. We have completed the scraper run at Hole C0010A, and are now pull out of the hole with scraper assembly and moving to low current area. If schedule holds, we will begin running new "GeniusPlug" observatory this evening. We will run 2500 meters below rotary table, then drift back to re-enter Hole C0010A.
Weather:Cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
Continue pulling out from C0010 with running tool, casing packer and borehole observatory. Recover SmartPlug sensors and accelerometers, move new observatory, GENIUSplug to rig for connection to new bridge plug. Move upstream for scraper assembly run in Hole C0010A, begin running drill pipe.
Downloaded data from recovered sensors and accelerometers. Data are very clean, showing clear pressure separation between formation and hydrostatic pressure sensors. More than 1 year continuous data
collected, and shows signals from earthquakes and tsunamis, but more analysis is needed.
Weather:Fine but Cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
Pull out of the hole to 1777 meter below the rotary table, then start drifting to low current area (~2.5 knts). Recovered ROV, and continued drifting.
Weather:Partly cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
Drifting to Site C0010 and running casing packer retrieving assembly adding anti-vortex-induced-vibration ropes. At 1215 hrs, re-entered C0010 wellhead and continued running drill pipe. At 1800 hrs, latched onto Retrievable Packer assembly, and began to pull out of the hole.
Weather:Fine but Cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
Tripping pipe, and adding anti-VIV (vortex-induced vibration) ropes. Site C0002 casing (9 5/8 inch) being readied, and second accelerometer was attached to the drill pipe around 1600 m above the borehole assembly. Science Party took tour of ship. Ship drifting to Site C0010, no significant vortex-induced vibration on drill pipe, even in 6 knots current.
Weather:Fine but Cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
Moved to the low current areas to begin tripping pipe. The retrievable packer and borehole assembly was run into the hole and set up, pending the borehole sensor's preparation for deployment. Drifting began and the running tool was run down to 1300 meters below rotary table, when anti-vibration ropes were warped onto the drill string in the moonpool. An accelerometer was attached to the drill pipe near the assembly to test acceleration during bridge plug retrieval. Loading from the supply boat finished, and the supply boat was released around 1630 hrs.
Weather:Fine but Cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
Preparing ROV for diving to set transponders, resolve camera issue with ROV camera. Removing corrosion cap and begin drill pipe calibration once all transponders set and ROV recovered.
Weather:Fine but Cloudy
Location:Site C0010, Nankai Trough
Rendezvous with supply boat, Kaiyu, and making up and racking drill pipe for preparation for re-entering C0010. Preparing ROV for diving to set transponders and remove corrosion cap.
Weather:Rain
Location:Move to drilling location
Returning from typhoon evacuation, and making for Kaiyu rendezvous.
Weather:Rain
Location:Move to drilling location
Returning from typhoon evacuation, and making for Kaiyu rendezvous. We practiced a fire emergency as part of the safety drills today.
Weather:Rain
Location:Move to drilling location
Returning from typhoon evacuation, and making for Kaiyu rendezvous. Prepping SmartPlug and GENIUSplug borehole sensors and Long Term Borehole Monitoring System.
Weather:Rain
Location:Evacuating from Typhoon.
We took time to check out the SmartPlug and GENIUSplug borehole observatory status, and requested the Mechanical Dept. to make some small modifications to the end chamber and end cap. The CORK (Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit) pressure sensor undersea connector was also looked over by Co-Chief Scientists and the ROV team.
Weather:Cloudy
Location:Shingu, Wakayama
We held the pre-spud meeting in the morning and then decided to leave dockside at 1545h. We anchored approximately 1 mile off Shingu Port, to continue loading activity on 29 October.
Weather:Cloudy
Location:Shingu, Wakayama
We remain at dockside, loading cargo, stores, and personal baggage. We are planning the pre-spud meeting for the next morning.
Weather:Cloudy
Location:Shingu, Wakayama
We remain at dockside, loading cargo, stores, and personal baggage. Tomorrow will be the pre-spud meeting, and we plan to leave port at 1600 h.
Weather:Cloudy
Location:Shingu, Wakayama
Today we arrived at the Port of Shingu, boarding Chikyu at 1830. We loaded personal baggage, endured another safety lecture, and were assigned cabins.
We will begin familiarization with Chikyu from 26 October.
