JAMSTEC JAMSTEC JAPAN AGENCY FOR MARINE-EARTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• Perform wide-area seabed research into distribution of submarine resources, and conduct comprehensive scientific research to elucidate the genesis of mineral and ore deposits.
• Understand the changes and variations in the atmospheric and marine environment associated with global climate change, and elucidate the paleoenvironmental changes.
• Investigate the internal structure of oceanic crust, and conduct studies for prevention and reduction of disaster risks associated with earthquakes and tsunamis.

Three-mode multi-channel seismic system

R/V KAIMEI is JAMSTEC’s first research vessel which can carry out not only conventional two-dimensional seismic surveys but also three-dimensional ones to image the internal structure of oceanic crust. The following three modes are available to serve different purposes.

(1) Three-dimensional seismic surveys

[Four streamer cables of 3,000 meters in length]

-Perform three-dimensional imaging of the crustal structure in seismogenic zones.

-Perform three-dimensional imaging of the geological structure with high potential for seabed resources.

(2) High-resolution three-dimensional seismic surveys

[20 streamer cables of 300 meters in length]

-Study earthquake faults and geological structures in coastal sea areas.

-Study the morphology of landslides triggered by earthquakes and the earthquake history.

-Study the distribution of hydrothermal ore deposits and mud rich in rare-earth elements.

(3) Two-dimensional seismic surveys

[One streamer cable of 12,000 meters in length]

-Study the mechanism of earthquakes and geological structure.

-Study the geological structure down to the target depth for developing a drilling plan of the deep sea drilling vessel CHIKYU.

-Perform two-dimensional imaging of the geological deep structure with high potential for seabed resources.

Sampling equipment for submarine resources

The following sampling equipment is used to collect samples of hydrothermal ore deposits off the coast of Okinawa or Izu-Ogasawara Islands, and samples of submarine resources for elucidation of the genesis of minor metals (rare metals) in cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts often found on seamounts in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.

(1)

Boring Machine System (BMS)
Maximum water depth: 3,000 meters
Coring depth: 30 meters (with a core diameter of 60 millimeters)

(2)

Power grab sampler
Maximum water depth: 6,000 meters
Maximum volume: 1 cubic meter
Two types, one with a clamshell bucket and the other with a six-finger basket

40 meter-long piston corer

12,000 meter-long high-strength fiber rope
The sampler is 40 meters long with a large diameter of 110 millimeters.

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Collect samples of methane hydrate and rare earth mud.

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Accurately reconstruct the paleoenvironment at great depths which have been inaccessible.

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Elucidate the long-term earthquake history in seismogenic zones.

CTD/water sampler

12,000 meter-long high-strength fiber rope
CTD/water sampler (36 bottles with a volume of 12 litters)

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Carry out the environmental impact assessment on submarine resources.

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Monitor changes and variations in the marine environment associated with climate change.

Remotely operated vehicle

Maximum water depth: 3,000 meters
The research vessel is always equipped with a 3,000 meter-class remotely operated vehicle useful for observing the seabed through cameras and collecting biological and mineral resources samples.