IODP Expedition 342

Paleogene Newfoundland Sediment Drifts

Daily Science Report for 30 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1406 (40°21.00'N, 51°39.00'W, 3850 m water depth; proposed site JA-6A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The vessel arrived at Site U1406 (proposed site JA-06A) in the early afternoon, after a half-day transit from Site U1405 in dynamic positioning mode. Proposed site JA-6A, located 0.5 nm south of DSDP Site 384, was requested and approved a few days ago and is an attempt to core upper Eocene to lower Eocene nannofossil clay in an area where at least part of the sequence can be cored with the advanced piston corer (APC) system. Hole U1406A was initiated with Cores U1406A-1H though 4H, from 0.0 to 34.7 m, with a recovery of 35.8 m (103%). Core catcher samples indicate an early Miocene age (zones NN4-NN3).

Daily Science Report for 29 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1405 (40°08.30'N, 51°49.20'W, 4286 m water depth; proposed site JA-14A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Hole U1405C was completed with Cores U1405C-6H though 25H, from 44.7 to 232.0 m, with a recovery of 184.4 m (99%). The interval consists of early Miocene to late Oligocene greenish gray clay with various amounts of nannofossils and biosilica, and nannofossil ooze with biosilica. The vessel is being readied for the transit to Site U1406 (proposed site JA-6A). This site was approved a few days ago and is not listed or marked in the Expedition 342 Scientific Prospectus. Proposed site JA-6A, located 0.5 nm south of DSDP 384, is an attempt to core upper Eocene to lower Eocene nannofossil clay in an area where at least part of the sequence can be cored with the advanced piston corer (APC) system.

Daily Science Report for 28 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1405 (40°08.30'N, 51°49.20'W, 4286 m water depth; proposed site JA-14A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1405B-10H through 24H were taken from 81.0 to 223.5 m and recovered 142.2 m (100%). Hole U1405C was initiated with Cores U1405B-1H though 5H with a recovery of 43.4 m (97%). The intervals consist of Pliocene brown foraminiferal nannofossil ooze, silty clay and clay with silt; and early Miocene to late Oligocene greenish gray sediments with varying proportions of clay, nannofossils, and biosilica.

Daily Science Report for 27 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1405 (40°08.30'N, 51°49.20'W, 4286 m water depth; proposed site JA-14A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1405A-30H through 33X were taken from 270.7 to the total depth of 308.6 m and recovered 12.4 m (33%). The hole was terminated when XCB coring experienced long cutting times and the cores were severely fractured by the drilling process. This lowermost interval in Hole U1405A consists of late Oligocene dark greenish gray nannofossil claystone. Hole U1405B was initiated and Cores U1405B-1H though 9H were taken from 0 to 81 m and recovered 78.1 m (96%).

Daily Science Report for 26 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1405 (40°08.30'N, 51°49.20'W, 4286 m water depth; proposed site JA-14A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1405A-12H through 29X were taken from 101.2 to 270.7 m and recovered 152.5 m (90%). Recovery ranged from 86% to 106% for the fifteen APC cores and from 20% to 55% for the three XCB cores. The interval consists of early Miocene to late Oligocene greenish gray biosiliceous nannofossil ooze. A request for a new Site JA-6A, 0.5 nmi south of DSDP 384, was submitted to shore today with the objective to core upper Eocene to lower Eocene nannofossil claystone on the crest of J Anomaly Ridge.

Daily Science Report for 25 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1405 (40°08.30'N, 51°49.20'W, 4311 m water depth; proposed site JA-14A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The vessel arrived at Site U1405 Hole (proposed site JA-14A). Cores U1405A-1H through 11H were taken from 0 to 101.2 m and recovered 104.8 m (104%). The interval above 17 m consists of Pliocene brown foraminiferal nannofossil ooze, silty clay and clay with silt. The interval below 17 m consists of early Miocene dark greenish gray nannofossil clay and clay with nannofossils.

Daily Science Report for 24 June 2012

LOCATION: Transiting from Site U1404 to Site U1405 (proposed site JA-14A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Hole U1404B was completed with Cores U1404B-22H through 27H (184.1-228.7 m), with a recovery of 45.2 m (101%), duplicating most of the section cored in Hole U1404A. After considerable scientific debate over drilling a third hole, Hole U1404C was drilled to 16 m, then cored from 16 to 44.5 m (Cores U1404C-1H through 3H) in an attempt to better characterize a potential gas hydrate occurrence observed in that interval in Hole U1404A. During that effort, final stratigraphic correlations were achieved for deeper intervals in Holes U1404A and U1404B and we decided not to wash and spot-core any further. The vessel is now underway to Site 1405 (proposed site JA-14A), the next shallower site in the J Anomaly transect.

Daily Science Report for 23 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1404 (40°00.80'N, 51°48.60'W, 4721 m water depth; proposed site JA-13A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1404B-2H through 21H were taken from 2.4 to 184.1 m and recovered 192.5 m (107%). The recovered sediment comprises the same Pleistocene to late Oligocene (dark) greenish gray silty clay, biosiliceous clay with nannofossils, and biosiliceous ooze with clay recovered in the equivalent interval in Hole U1404A. Section U1404B-4H-1 (21.4-22.9 m) was highly disturbed and soupy, fizzled when it was split, and returned low bulk density values (~1.2 g/cm³). We assume that we cored a gas hydrate layer or two. The same interval had no recovery in Hole U1404A.

Daily Science Report for 22 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1404 (40°00.80'N, 51°48.60'W, 4721 m water depth; proposed site JA-13A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1404A-27H through 36X advanced the hole from 228.6 to 308.8 m, the total depth of Hole U1404A, and recovered 65.6 m (82% recovery). Middle to late Eocene (zones NP18 and NP16; RP17 through RP13) age indicators were found in some of the cores, while many other core samples were barren. The interval from 134 to 265 m described today consists of greenish gray clay and radiolarian clay. At the very end of the day, 2.5-m long mudline Core U1404B-1H was recovered, starting the second hole at this site. We plan to core this hole to the same depth as Hole U1404A.

Daily Science Report for 21 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1404 (40°00.80'N, 51°48.60'W, 4721 m water depth; proposed site JA-13A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1404A-10H through 26H advanced the hole from 80.7 to 228.6 m and recovered 152.8 m (103% recovery). Early Miocene (zones NN2, RN2) age indicators were found from 33 m through 106 m. The Oligocene-Miocene transition was determined to be at ~134 m. Late Oligocene (zone NP25) datums were found in samples from 144 to 172 m. The Eocene-Oligocene boundary (zones NP21, NP19/20) is at ~204 m. The interval 43-134 m described in more detail today consists of (dark) greenish gray silty clay, biosiliceous clay with nannofossils, and biosiliceous clay. Well-preserved diatom and radiolarian faunas were observed throughout the sequence.

Daily Science Report for 20 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1404 (40°00.80'N, 51°48.60'W, 4721 m water depth; proposed site JA-13A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The first core from Site U1404 was on deck in the late morning, and by the end of the day Cores U1404A-1H through 9H had advanced 80.7 m and recovered 62.9 m of sediment (78% recovery). The lower than expected recovery is associated with shattered liners, indicating harsh coring conditions perhaps resulting from the strong currents in the water column, and probably affected by the occurrence of at least walnut to small fist size manganese nodules recovered in the cores. Core catcher samples are barren of age indicating fossils in the top 43 m, and indicate an Early Miocene age below that depth. The sediments in the uppermost 40 m consist of brown clay in the top of the sequence, and greenish gray silty clay further downhole.

Daily Science Report for 19 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1404 (40°00.80'N, 51°48.60'W, 4721 m water depth; proposed site JA-13A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Our final activity at Site U1403 was to recover the drill string and the subsea camera system that had failed and fallen down to the drill bit. The camera system was recovered on the rig floor in the early afternoon. The cable was torn off and some of the cords holding the frame to the center piece were destroyed as well. The vessel moved to Site U1404 (proposed site JA-13A), the second deepest site of the J Anomaly Ridge depth transect. We plan to drill three holes to ~250 m, although the depth and number of holes may be adjusted based on the age and quality of the sediment recovered. The drill string is being deployed and the first core is expected to arrive on deck in the early morning. The science party completed drafts of the Site U1403 reports. Bradley Opdyke and Jessica Whiteside presented talks at the ongoing science seminar series.

Daily Science Report for 18 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1403 (39°56.60'N, 51°48.20'W, 4961 m water depth; proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The drill pipe with the stuck logging tool was recovered from Hole U1403B in the early morning. The lower part of the logging tool was found to have broken off and left on the seafloor or in the hole. It was decided to deploy the VIT subsea camera system to search for the lost part of the logging tool and, if possible, recover it with a custom made fishing tool. The drill pipe was deployed and the camera system was lowered. Just before reaching the seafloor, the sonar and video signal from the camera system was lost and it was determined that its cable had parted. The cable is currently being retrieved, and the drill pipe tripped to the surface again to recover the camera system.

Daily Science Report for 17 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1403 (39°56.60'N, 51°48.20'W, 4961 m water depth; proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The attempt to log Hole U1403B came to an early end as the result of a mechanical failure. The logging tool became stuck in the bottom hole assembly before it could exit the drill pipe and could not be retrieved with the wireline. The wireline was cut and the drill pipe is being tripped to the surface. Scientists are close to completing analysis of Site U1403 cores and began writing the site reports.

Daily Science Report for 16 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1403 (39°56.60'N, 51°48.20'W, 4961 m water depth; proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Coring in Hole U1403B was concluded with Cores 24X through 32X (184.5 - 265.1m) with a recovery of 52.4 m (65%). All but the lowermost 12 m, which still need to be split and examined, were recovered and described in Hole U1403A. A science decision was made to forego drilling of a third hole because the critical intervals were largely recovered in Holes U1403A and B, and the chances to recover the few remaining stratigraphic gaps was improbable due to a number of chert layers. Hole U1403B was prepared for logging in anticipation that "floating" core records could be tied together within the log scale, and that seismic reflectors could be correlated to lithologic intervals.

Daily Science Report for 15 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1403 (39°56.60'N, 51°48.20'W, 4961 m water depth; proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Coring in Hole U1403B continued with Cores 6H through 23X (34.9-184.5 m) with a recovery of 137.6 m (92%). The interval described today comprises the same variegated clay, silty clay, and radiolarian clay recovered in Hole U1403A. As in Hole U1403A, the interval ~18-70 m does not yield any age indicating microfossils. Below that, biostratigraphic markers indicate Eocene intervals with high sedimentation rates and possible hiatuses.

Daily Science Report for 14 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1403 (39°56.60'N, 51°48.20'W, 4961 m water depth; proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Hole U1403A was completed with Cores 25X through 29X (209.7-253.3 m) with a recovery of 35.8 m (82%). The interval comprises nannofossil biostratigraphic zones NP3 and UCd and UC20b-c (early Paleocene to Maastrichtian). Cores 22X-26X described today consist of reddish brown clay, greenish gray to light brownish gray nannofossil biogenic ooze, dark yellowish brown clay, and pinkish white nannofossil biogenic ooze. Core 26X comprises an excellent record of the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/Pg) transition. A 3-cm thick greenish black sandy mud layer at 220.6 m represents a probable ejecta layer related to the K/Pg boundary. While descriptions of the cores from Hole U1403A are being completed, we began coring in Hole U1403B, 20 m to the east, as part of the strategy to construct a complete stratigraphic splice. Hole U1403B was advanced to 34.9 m (Cores 1H-5H) with a recovery of 39.9 m (114%).

Daily Science Report for 13 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1403 (39°56.60'N, 51°48.20'W, 4961 m water depth; proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1403A-12H through 24X were taken from 100.8-209.7 m and recovered 91.8 m (84% recovery). The interval cored today comprises nannofossil biostratigraphic zones NP13-NP4 (early Eocene to early Paleocene). A record of the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (PETM2) was recovered in Core 19H, and the PETM is anticipated in Core 21X, which is yet to be split. The cores described so far consist of greenish gray, light gray and olive yellow clay with radiolarians, greenish gray and pale green nannofossil biogenic ooze with radiolarians, reddish brown biosiliceous clay with nannofossils, and pink nannofossil biogenic ooze with radiolarians. Core 18X penetrated a 78 cm long interval with two chert layers.

Daily Science Report for 12 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1403 (39°56.60'N, 51°48.20'W, 4961 m water depth; proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Cores U1403A-1H through 11H were taken from 0-100.8 m and recovered 104.2 m (103% recovery). The top 3 m of the cored interval consist of Pleistocene nannofossil ooze. Below that interval, the cores consist of pale brown to reddish brown and dark gray to greenish gray clay, silty clay and clay with silt. The interval is barren of calcareous microfossils and contains radiolaria indicating Quaternary, Miocene(?) and middle Eocene ages. Manganese nodules occur as up to 8-cm thick solid layers, golf-ball size nodules, sandy layers and pockets, and dispersed sand.

Daily Science Report for 11 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1403 (39°56.60'N, 51°48.20'W, 4961 m water depth; proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The vessel arrived at Site U1403 (proposed site JA-1A) at 1700 h. This is the first and the deepest water site to be drilled on the J Anomaly Ridge, pinning the deep end of the Paleogene Newfoundland sediment drifts depth transect. The site is positioned to capture deep excursions of the calcite compensation depth (CCD) during the Paleogene and to help improve stratigraphic control on the sediments to be drilled on J Anomaly Ridge. The science party held a site preview meeting, and senior shipboard personnel held the operational "pre-spud" meeting. The scientists continued writing the laboratory reports for Site U1402. Scientists are now on their assigned work shifts and eagerly awaiting core. Estimated time for the first core on deck is tomorrow 0900 h.

Daily Science Report for 10 June 2012

LOCATION: Underway to Site U1403 (proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: On its transit to Site U1403 (proposed site JA-1A), the vessel has reached record speeds of 15.9 knots over ground due to significant help from the Gulf stream and a little help from the wind. The second half of the science party members participated in ship tours led by the Operations Superintendent. Zhonhui Liu gave a talk at the science seminar. All lab groups began writing the portion of the Site U1402 report that pertains to the shipboard analysis of Cores U1402B-1H and 2H. Scientists began changing their working hours to their assigned shifts. Estimated time of arrival at Site U1403 (proposed site JA-1A) is now 1700 h on 11 June.

Daily Science Report for 9 June 2012

LOCATION: Underway to Site U1403 (proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Half of the science party members enjoyed comprehensive ship tours led by the Operations Superintendent, with the second half scheduled for tomorrow. All scientists participated in a seminar talk given by Chris Hollis, and further analyzed Cores U1402B-1H and 2H. The lab groups also submitted their drafts of the method descriptions. A meeting was held with the stratigraphic correlation specialists and senior science and rig personnel to establish effective communication procedures for the anticipated need of adjusting coring depths on short notice to optimize stratigraphic coverage. The current estimated arrival at Site JA-1A (U1403) is late on 11 June.

Daily Science Report for 8 June 2012

LOCATION: Underway to Site U1403 (proposed site JA-1A)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Sea trials for the Motion Decoupled Hydraulic Delivery system (MDHDS) concluded with the retrieval of the tool in the early morning hours. Several hours remained until a helicopter would arrive mid-morning for the exchange of personnel. The science party therefore requested that the drill pipe be deployed one more time to recover a few cores for core processing training and laboratory testing purposes during the transit to the Newfoundland Sediment Drifts Expedition drilling area. Cores U1402B-1H and 2H were recovered from 0-15 m with 100% recovery. The cores were bulging and bending under their load and the second core was compromised by a shattered core liner. After engaging in an outreach brainstorming session, a seminar talk given by Chris Junium, and further shipboard sampling plan discussions, the scientists began to analyze the cores, starting with the whole-round measurement sequence. The helicopter transfer was completed at 1020 h after delivering four technical staff and departing with five MDHDS scientists/engineers. At 1330 h, the vessel started the 3.8 d transit to the first drill site of the Newfoundland Sediment Drifts Expedition, Site U1403.

Daily Science Report for 7 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1402 (39°13.52'N, 72°16.55'W, 650 m water depth; ODP Site 1073)

SCIENCE UPDATE: Sea trials for the Motion Decoupled Hydraulic Delivery system (MDHDS) began last night with the deployment of the drill pipe to 20 m above sea floor. A pressure test using the T2P tool was to be conducted with the tool deployed in the bottom of the drill pipe. While running the tool into the pipe, it prematurely disconnected from the wireline and fell to the bottom of the pipe. A custom fishing tool run on the coring line was unable to retrieve the MDHDS. The drill pipe had to be tripped back to the rig floor and the tool was removed. The drill pipe was subsequently redeployed, this time drilling to 100 m below sea floor, and the MDHDS was deployed to the bottom of the hole. Temperature and pressure signals were successfully transmitted to the shipboard logging unit for ~20 minutes. The tool became stuck in the bottom of the drill pipe and could not be retrieved, so the pipe had to be tripped again to remove the tool. This prevented any further testing or coring in the remaining time allotted to the MDHDS sea trials.
In the meantime, the Newfoundland Sediment Drift expedition scientists discussed the initial shipboard sampling plan for all lab groups and made final decisions on the content and layout of the graphic core summary (barrel sheet). Brian Romans and Pincelli Hull gave talks in the daily science seminar. All lab groups continued to write their method descriptions. Education and outreach activities included video broadcasts and video interviews of shipboard personnel.

Daily Science Report for 6 June 2012

LOCATION: Site U1402 (39°13.52'N, 72°16.55'W, 651 m water depth; ODP Site 1073)

SCIENCE UPDATE: The vessel arrived at Site U1402 (ODP Site 1073) at ~1540 h. Scientists received a presentation on report writing requirements from the Expedition Project Manager, and an overview of computing resources and support from the Marine Computer Specialist. We began a science seminar series with two talks by Howie Scher and Haruka Takagi. All lab groups continued to train on their lab equipment and software, and worked on their method descriptions. A sample plan was developed for the anticipated few cores from Hole U1402A. Preparations for education and outreach activities are ongoing.

Daily Science Report for 5 June 2012

LOCATION: In transit from Bermuda to ODP Site 1073

SCIENCE UPDATE: Scientists received a presentation on sample, test, and depth calculation concepts from the Expedition Project Manager, and initial training on the Sample Master program from the Curator. Senior IODP and rig staff, and principal investigators attended a planning meeting for the Motion Decoupled Hydraulic Delivery System (MDHDS) sea trial. The logging staff scientist presented an overview of logging operations. All lab groups continued their reviews of lab tools and procedures and worked on their method descriptions. The expected time of arrival at Site 1073 is tomorrow, 6 June, 1600 h.

Daily Science Report for 4 June 2012

LOCATION: In transit from Bermuda to ODP Site 1073

SCIENCE UPDATE: The vessel left Bermuda at 0600h on its voyage to ODP Site 1073, with an expected transit time of 2.2 days. The science party received an overview of the Motion Decoupled Hydraulic Delivery System (MDHDS) sea trial, to be conducted at Site 1073 from 6-8 June, by principal investigator Peter Flemings. Co-Chief Scientist Dick Norris gave an overview of the drilling transect strategies and site options for the Newfoundland sediment drifts. Education officer Caitlin Scully and videographer Dan Brinkhuis presented their education and outreach plans for Expedition 342. All lab groups continued their reviews of the lab instruments, software and procedures.

Daily Science Report for 3 June 2012

LOCATION: Ireland Island Dockyard, St. George, Bermuda

SCIENCE UPDATE: The science party received a project overview presentation from the Expedition Project Manager, and an overview of scientific objectives from the Co-Chief Scientists. The core description and biostratigraphy teams were introduced to the work flow and tools to be discussed and configured for this expedition over the next few days. Other lab teams began their review of procedures and tools. The ship's Captain, Physician, Offshore Installation Manager, and Second Mate introduced safety rules and regulations to the science party. The estimated time of departure was revised to 0600 on 4 June.

Daily Science Report for 2 June 2012

LOCATION: Ireland Island Dockyard, St. George, Bermuda

SCIENCE UPDATE: The Paleogene Newfoundland Sediment Drifts Expedition (342) science party transferred from the hotel in Hamilton to the JOIDES Resolution and everybody was checked in by noon. General introduction and safety presentations by USIO staff were followed by ship safety tours. Our estimated time of departure is 0830 on 4 June.