- 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.