IODP Expedition 369
Australia Cretaceous Climate and Tectonics
Daily Science Report for 31 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513D (33°47.6196′S, 112°29.1339′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: We cut Cores 70R to 75R to 757.4 m, which completed coring in Hole U1513D. In total, we recovered 437.05 m of material from 662.4 m cored (66%) with the RCB system. We then began preparations for wireline logging. We performed a high viscosity mud sweep and then released the bit at the bottom of the hole. We then displaced the hole with heavy mud and pulled the drill string up to 142.2 m. Our plan is to log with the standard suite of tool strings (triple combination, Formation MicroScanner-sonic, and the Versatile Seismic Imager).
Cores 63R to 67R were described. Cores 63R to 65R consist of sandstone with interbedded layers of siltstone and claystone. Shell fragments are present in Section 64R-1. Glauconite and organic fragments are initially common in Core 63R but decrease downhole. Both pyrite nodules and disseminated pyrite are present. Calcite veins are common, particularly in Core 65R. Cores 66R and 67R are porphyritic basalt with red-brown and green alteration overprints. The only clear phenocryst is plagioclase, which range in size from medium-grained (1–3 mm) to very large megacrysts (5–30 mm). The groundmass is aphyric and partially replaced by red-brown hematite, shown as color bands and smears.
Daily Science Report for 30 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513D (33°47.6196′S, 112°29.1339′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: We cut Cores 57R to 69R to 719 m. Of the 115.2 m cored, 93.45 m of material was recovered (81%).
Cores 57R to 62R were described and consist of glauconitic sandstone. There are two intervals of siltstone (<10 cm thick) in Sections 57R-3 and 60R-6. Disseminated pyrite and pyrite nodules are common throughout, as are lithic clasts and shell fragments. These cores appear to be barren of all calcareous and siliceous microfossils.
Daily Science Report for 29 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513D (33°47.6196′S, 112°29.1339′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: We began the day waiting for the weather to calm. The swell reached 9 m and then began decreasing slowly until 1200 h. At this point, we began slowly working the drill string back to the bottom of the hole (603.8 m) with the center bit in. We encountered ledges at 466 m and 495 m. We retrieved the center bit by midnight and were ready to resume coring.
Cores 52R to 56R were described and mainly consist of glauconitic sandstone. There are interbedded layers of siltstone and claystone that vary in thickness from <10 cm to almost 1 m. Shell fragments are present in Sections 52R-5 and 52R-6. Disseminated pyrite is present throughout, as are plant fragments and woody debris. These cores are barren of all calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera.
Daily Science Report for 28 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513D (33°47.6196′S, 112°29.1339′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: Cores 49R to 56R penetrated to 603.8 m (68% core recovery). By 1200 h, the swell had begun to pick up significantly (to 8–9 m) and we decided to stop coring. A free-fall funnel (FFF) was prepared and deployed at 1437 h, in case we needed to pull out of the hole. We attempted to verify the landing of the FFF with the fiber optic vibration isolated television (VIT) camera system, which was deployed at 1455 h, but the sea state and current were too rough and we had to abort the attempt at 700 m. The VIT was back on board at 1615 h. We displaced the hole with heavy mud and brought the drill string up to 139.2 m by 2015 h. We will wait for the weather to calm before resuming coring operations; currently, this is expected around midday tomorrow.
Cores 41R to 51R were described. Sections 41R-1 to 41R-3 are claystone, but there is a lithological change to sandstone in Section 41R-4, which continues for the rest of the core. Core 42R and Sections 43R-1 and 43R-2 are sandstone. Beginning in Section 43R-3, alternations of sandstone, claystone, and siltstone continue to Core 51R. Glauconite and pyrite are common after Section 41R-4. Starting in Core 48R, there are veins of calcite, and the primary cement also appears to be calcite. Cores 41R to 51R are barren of all calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera. The last biostratigraphic age control is the base of Core 40R, which is Albian.
Daily Science Report for 27 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513D (33°47.6196′S, 112°29.1339′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: Cores 34R to 48R penetrated from 383 to 527 m and recovered 98.4 m (68%).
Cores 28R to 40R were described and consist of claystone. Plant debris and pyrite are common throughout the cores, with an increase in disseminated pyrite from Core 32R. From Core 37R, there is also an increase in chlorite. Based on calcareous nannofossils, the bottom of Core 39R is middle to early Albian in age.
Daily Science Report for 26 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513D (33°47.6196′S, 112°29.1339′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: We recovered Cores 18R to 33R to 383 m. We advanced by half cores (4.8 m) for Cores 18R to 19R to improve recovery around the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary. Core recovery has been steadily improving with 104.56 m recovered from 144 m cored (73%).
Cores 11R to 27R were described. Cores 11R to 16R consist of nannofossil chalk; there are two silicified limestone intervals in Sections 12R-1 and 15R-6. Cores 17R to 21R are nannofossil-rich claystone, and Cores 22R to 27R are claystone. Bioturbation is intense throughout. The Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval (CTBI) is in Core 19R and consists of several intervals (~10 cm thick) of black organic carbon-rich claystone and greenish gray organic carbon-poor claystone in Sections 19R-2 and 19R-3. This is overlain by a green claystone (Section 19R-1). The CTBI appears to be complete. Based on well-preserved calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera, the bottom of Core 25R is Cenomanian in age.
Daily Science Report for 25 October 2017
Location:
Hole U1513C (33°47.6190′S, 112°29.1468′E; 2788 m water depth)
Hole U1513D (33°47.6196′S, 112°29.1339′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: We continued preparations for RCB coring and offset the ship 20 m west. We started Hole U1513D at 0135 h, drilled without coring to 95 m, then began RCB coring. Cores 2R to 17R penetrated from 95 to 239 m. We advanced by half cores (4.8 m) to recover Cores 16R to 17R to improve recovery around the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary. Of the 144 m cored, we recovered 47.79 m (37%).
Cores 2R to 10R were described. Cores 2R and 5R to 10R are nannofossil chalk with numerous silicified limestone intervals. However, in Cores 3R and 4R only the silicified limestone intervals were recovered. The base of Core 4R was dated to calcareous nannofossil zone CC16/15 (late Coniacian), the base of 9R is mid- to early Coniacian, and the base of Core 10R is late Turonian. Planktonic foraminifera are rare but when present give ages consistent with the nannofossils.
The science party also attended science seminars on trace metal characteristics over Oceanic Anoxic Events as well as planktonic foraminifera turnover at the Albian/Aptian boundary.
Daily Science Report for 24 October 2017
Location:
Hole U1513B (33°47.6087′S, 112°29.1471′E; 2787 m water depth)
Hole U1513C (33°47.6190′S, 112°29.1468′E; 2788 m water depth)
Science Update: Using the HLAPC, we recovered Cores 9F to 14F to 93.9 m (102% recovery), which completed coring in Hole U1513B. In total, we recovered 102.06 m of material from 98.6 m (101%) piston cored. We then pulled the drill string up out of the hole, clearing the seafloor at 0625 h. We then offset the ship 20 m south and prepared to start Hole U1513C. We recovered two cores (1H and 2H) to 17.1 m. All of the material from Hole U1513C was sectioned into 30 cm whole rounds on the catwalk and will be used for postexpedition OSL dating. We then pulled the drill string out of the hole, clearing the seafloor at 0935 h. We then continued to trip the drill string back to the rig floor in order to switch the bottom-hole assembly for RCB coring in Hole U1513D. The bit cleared the rig floor at 1645 h. We then started preparations for RCB coring, which continued until midnight.
The remaining cores from Hole U1513B (Cores 4H to 14F) were described. Cores 4H to 7H consist of calcareous ooze and Cores 8H to 14F consist of nannofossil ooze. The base of Core 5H is mid-Pliocene in age, and Section 7H-CC is dated to the mid to late Miocene. In Section 8H-2 there is a phosphatic limestone with manganese dendrites. Discrete manganese nodules are present just below this hardground and the sediment underlaying that is white to yellow. Calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifera date the interval just above the hardground to the mid-Miocene to Oligocene, whilst the sediment just below the hardground is earliest Campanian to latest Santonian in age. The base of Core 14F is earliest Campanian to latest Santonian as well. There is one interval of silicified limestone in Section 14F-1.
Daily Science Report for 23 October 2017
Location:
• Hole U1513A (33°47.6084′S, 112°29.1338′E; 2789 m water depth)
• Hole U1513B (33°47.6087′S, 112°29.1471′E; 2787 m water depth)
Science Update: We completed preparations for logging, which included bringing the drill pipe up to 83.9 m. At 0500 h, we began our one planned logging run with the modified triple combination tool string. We were able to log the entire length of the open borehole down to 292.5 m. The logging tools were back on the rig floor at 0950 h. We then continued to bring the drill pipe and bottom-hole assembly out of the hole, clearing the sea floor at 1210 h. We offset the ship 20 m to the east and prepared to core Hole U1513B to ~95 m in order to recover the Neogene section and latest Cretaceous again. We started Hole U1513B at 1425 h and recovered 8.7 m of material in Core 1H. We then recovered Cores 2H to 8H to 72.3 m (105% recovery). Core 4H experienced a split core liner and is highly disturbed as a result.
The remaining cores from Hole U1513A (Cores 48X to 50X) were described and consist of dark gray to black nannofossil-rich claystone. Bioturbation is absent as are the color variations seen in earlier cores. This coincides with an increase in natural gamma ray values starting in Section 48X-2. Coring disturbance (biscuiting) is present, but less severe. The base of Core 50X (base of the hole) is earliest Cenomanian to latest Albian in age, based on calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera.
The science party spent the downtime while we were logging completing analyses from Hole U1513A and writing up their results from the hole. They also described Cores U1513B-1H to 3H, which, similar to the uppermost section of Hole U1513A, consist of calcareous ooze. The base of Core 3H (28.32 m CSF-A) was dated to the early Pleistocene.
Daily Science Report for 22 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513A (33°47.6084′S, 112°29.1338′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: We recovered Cores 40X to 50X to 292.5 m with 34% recovery. At the end of the day, we began preparations for downhole logging with a modified triple combination tool string that included the sonic velocity tool from the FMS-sonic tool string.
Cores 38X to 47X were described. Cores 38X to 43X consist of clayey nannofossil chalk, and Cores 44X to 47X consist of nannofossil-rich claystone. In the latter cores, there is an alternating color pattern of light gray, green, and black. Coring disturbance (biscuiting) is present. Planktonic foraminifera are rare, but calcareous benthic foraminifera suggest a bathyal environment. The Cenomanian/Turonian boundary was tentatively identified between Cores 43X and 44X (~237 to 240 m CSF-A) based on calcareous nannofossils, but core recovery in this interval was only 19% (1.38 m recovered from 7.5 m cored). Thus, we will target this interval in a subsequent hole to be cored with the RCB system. The base of Core 47X is dated to nannofossil zone CC10 (Cenomanian, ~95 Ma).
Daily Science Report for 21 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513A (33°47.6084′S, 112°29.1338′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: We recovered Cores 28X to 39X to 224.4 m, recovering 19.39 m of material (34%). To maximize the amount of material recovered, we are continuing to cut half-cores (~4.8 m long).
Cores 24X to 37X were described. Core 24X consists of nannofossil ooze, but starting from Core 25X the material becomes more lithified and is thereafter a light greenish gray clayey nannofossil chalk. The number of silicified limestone intervals increased from Core 26X to Core 35X where they are the dominant lithology; there are no discrete silicified limestone intervals in Cores 36X and 37X. Sections 28X-1, 30X-1, 30X-CC, 31X-1, and 31X-CC contain intervals of nannofossil-rich claystone that are darker in color. Coring disturbance (biscuiting) remains severe. Based on both calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera found, the base of Core 24X is Coniacian in age. Planktonic foraminifera are rare in core catcher samples from Cores 33X to 37X because the material is dominated by silica (e.g., Sample 34X-CC is 90% silica), but the base of Core 37X is dated to the late Turonian based on nannofossils (Zone CC12).
Daily Science Report for 20 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513A (33°47.6084′S, 112°29.1338′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: We continued coring with the HLAPC and recovered Cores 13F to 15F to 95.7 m, recovering 5.78 m. Cores 13F and 15F were partial strokes with Core 15F only advancing 0.1 m. Thus, we switched to the XCB system at 0245 h. We recovered Cores 16X to 27X to 166.8 m. Core recovery dropped off significantly with an average of 43% for the cores recovered with the XCB. To maximize the amount of material recovered, we are coring half-cores (4.8 m long).
Cores 9H to 23X were described and consist of nannofossil ooze. Core 9H is pale yellow and Cores 10H to 14F are pale brown, with the color transitioning to light gray and greenish gray in subsequent cores. Cores 10H and 11H also contain nodules of chert and silicified limestone. There is one large inoceramid specimen in Section 17X-1 (~99 m). Discrete intervals of silicified limestone are present from Core 18X; bioturbation occurs from that core as well and is mostly present within the limestone intervals. Coring disturbance varies from slight to severe with significant biscuiting in the cores recovered with the XCB system. According to both calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera, the base of Core 9H is already into the late Cretaceous with the base of Core 23X of Coniacian age.
Daily Science Report for 19 October 2017
Location: Hole U1513A (33°47.6084′S, 112°29.1338′E; 2789 m water depth)
Science Update: We started Hole U1513A at 0340 h and recovered a 5.37 m core to establish the mudline/water depth. We then recovered Cores 2H to 6H to 52.8 m (averaging 96% recovery) with the APC system before switching to the HLAPC to recover Cores 7F and 8F to 62.2 m; it was thought that there might be a chert layer at ~55 m. At 1230 h while attempting to retrieve Core 9H, the coring winch line parted and the core barrel fell back to the bottom of the pipe; we retrieved it and recovered Core 9H at 1830 h. We then recovered Core 10H to 80.6 m. On both Cores 9H and 10H we recorded partial strokes; thus, we switched one last time to the HLAPC to recover Cores 11F and 12F to 90 m. Of the 90 m cored, we have recovered 88.69 m (98%).
Cores 1H to 8F were described and consist of calcareous ooze. There are variations in color, with Cores 1H to 5H light gray to white and Cores 6H to 8F pale yellow, as well as differing proportions of calcareous foraminifera and nannofossils. Sponge spicules are common, and there are manganese nodules in Cores 7F and 8F. Coring disturbance varies from slight to severe with many soupy intervals and evidence of flow-in. According to both nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera, the base of Core 3H is Pleistocene in age, the base of 5H is Pliocene, and the base of 7F is Miocene in age. The base of Core 8F contains a hardground with a mix of mid-Miocene, Oligocene, and Eocene species. Despite the lithology, there is a magnetic signal present, which allows for the resolution of Cenozoic magnetostratigraphy; the preliminary results generally agree with the biostratigraphy.
Daily Science Report for 18 October 2017
Location:
• In transit to Site U1513 (proposed site MBAS-4C)
• Hole U1513A (33°47.6′S, 112°29.1′E)
Science Update: The first part of the day was spent transiting to Site U1513 (proposed Site MBAS-4C). We arrived on site at 1445 h and deployed the seafloor positioning beacon at 1510 h. Shortly thereafter, we began preparations for coring, including assembling the bottom-hole assembly and deploying the drill pipe. At midnight, the bit was at ~2165 m below the rig floor; the water depth is estimated to be ~2800 m. The plan for Hole U1513A is to APC/HLAPC core to refusal and then XCB core to ~515 m. As chert is expected in the upper 200 m of the sediment, the plan for subsequent holes at the site will depend on operations and recovery in this first hole.
The science party turned in their Site U1512 reports to the Publications Specialist.
Daily Science Report for 17 October 2017
Location: In transit to Site U1513 (proposed Site MBAS-4C)
Science Update: We are underway to our next site (Site U1513). Due to adverse weather conditions, our estimated arrival is now the afternoon of 18 October.
The science party finalized their Site U1512 reports and have prepared their shipboard sampling plan for routine onboard analyses for the next site. They have also been participating in a series of science seminars regarding the tectonic setting of Site U1512, Campanian–Maastrichtian events in general, and the Mesozoic basins of eastern Australia.
Daily Science Report for 16 October 2017
Location: In transit to Site U1513 (proposed Site MBAS-4C)
Science Update: We are underway to our next site (Site U1513; proposed Site MBAS-4C). Due to adverse weather conditions, our speed has dropped below 10 kt; however, our estimated arrival remains the morning of 18 October.
The science party participated in a Site U1512 review meeting where each of the different laboratory groups presented their results. They are also finalizing their reports for the site.
Daily Science Report for 15 October 2017
Location: In transit to Site U1513 (proposed Site MBAS-4C)
Science Update: We are underway to our next site (proposed Site MBAS-4C). Please note the change in destination from yesterday; we are now headed to the alternate site for Site MBAS-4B. The decision to switch to the proposed alternate site was based on evidence from the seismic profiles that suggests the sedimentary section of Cretaceous age may be more expanded. We still anticipate arriving in the morning of 18 October.
The science party is finishing remaining Site U1512 analyses, as well as working on the Site U1512 reports and preparing for the site review meeting.
Daily Science Report for 14 October 2017
Location:
Hole U1512A (34°1.6406′S, 127°57.7605′E, 3071 m water depth)
In transit to Site U1513 (proposed Site MBAS-4B)
Science Update: We completed preparations for logging by 0430 h with the drill pipe pulled up to logging depth (~70 m). We were able to complete an entire log of the open borehole to depth (69.9 m to 698.8 m) with the modified triple combination tool string by 1130 h. After the successful logging run, we rigged down the logging tools and continued pulling the drill pipe out of the hole and back up to the rig floor. We completed operations at Site U1512 at 2255 h and began our transit to the next site (Site U1513, proposed Site MBAS-4B). We anticipate arriving in the morning of Wednesday 18 October.
The remaining cores from the hole were described. Cores U1512A-62R to 73R (585.6–701.38 m) consist of dark silty claystone with sandstone layers containing siderite. Calcium carbonate values for the dark silty claystone remain <1 wt%. Fragments of inoceramid shells and agglutinated foraminifera are present and planktonic foraminifera are absent. Calcareous nannofossils are from Zone CC11, giving a Turonian age for the base of the hole.
Daily Science Report for 13 October 2017
Location: Hole U1512A (34°1.6406′S, 127°57.7605′E, 3071 m water depth)
Science Update: We retrieved Cores U1512A-64R to 73R from 604.8 to 700.8 m, recovering 90.56 m of material (94%). The recovery of Core 73R at 1915 h completed coring operations at Site U1512. Overall, we recovered 631.86 m of 700.8 m cored (90%) with the RCB system. After coring was completed, we began preparations for downhole logging, including a heavy mud sweep. As of midnight, we were pulling the drill pipe slowly up to logging depth (~70 m). The planned logging operations include one deployment of a modified triple combination tool string, as it will contain the sonic tool usually run with the FMS-sonic tool string. This configuration will provide us with information on natural gamma radiation, density, resistivity, and velocity.
Cores U1512A-52R to 61R (489.6–585.6 m) were described and consist of dark silty claystone. Calcium carbonate values for the dark silty claystone are <1 wt%. With the exception of Cores 52R and 56R, all cores contain at least one discrete siltstone or sandstone layer. Approximately half of the silt- and sandstone intervals contain siderite. Fragments of inoceramid shells are abundant and agglutinated foraminifera are present in most core catcher samples while planktonic foraminifera are absent. Calcareous nannofossils in this described interval all date to CC11 (Turonian, ~92 Ma).
Daily Science Report for 12 October 2017
Location: Hole U1512A (34°1.6406′S, 127°57.7605′E, 3071 m water depth)
Science Update: We retrieved Cores U1512A-51R to 63R from 480 to 604.8 m, recovering 117.98 m of material. Core recovery is phenomenal, averaging 95%.
Cores U1512A-41R to 51R (384–489.58 m) were described and consist of dark silty claystone with discrete siltstone or sandstone layers in Sections 42R-3, 43R-CC, 44R-2, 44R-4, 44R-5, 46R-CC, 48R-CC, 49R-6, 50R-3, and 51R-1. The sandstone layers in Cores 48R to 51R contain siderite. Fragments of inoceramid shells are abundant and agglutinated foraminifera are present in most core catcher samples. Calcareous nannofossils in Section 41R-CC are still from CC12 (Turonian, ~90 Ma); however, nannofossils from Section 51R-CC are dated to CC11 (Turonian, ~92 Ma). Planktonic foraminifera are rare, but when present, they concur with a Turonian age for the material. Small, dispersed methane hydrates still occur in these cores, and the methane concentrations from headspace analysis are elevated (>75,000 ppm). Overall, this site is also producing an excellent natural gamma radiation record that corresponds well with industry data of the basin. Additionally, it appears that there is cyclicity in the data that possibly reflects short eccentricity cycles, so there is a possibility to construct an orbitally-tuned age model for the Late Cretaceous at this site.
Daily Science Report for 11 October 2017
Location: Hole U1512A (34°1.6′S, 127°57.7′E, 3071 m water depth)
Science Update: We retrieved Cores U1512A-37R to 50R from 345.6 to 480 m, recovering 124.87 m. Core recovery with the RCB system is excellent, averaging 93%.
Cores U1512A-30R to 40R (278.4–384.4 m) were described and they consist of dark silty claystone. The discrete glauconitic sandstone layers have decreased in occurrence with only one observed in Section 32R-5 at 303 m. The material continues to be mostly barren of calcareous nannofossils and foraminifera, but there are calcareous nannofossils in the core catchers of Cores 38R and 39R (374 m) that date the material to CC12 (Turonian, ~90 Ma). Agglutinated foraminifers and shell fragments remain abundant. Small, dispersed methane hydrates are present from Core 34R, which corresponds to high methane content (>100,000 ppm) in the headspace samples.
Daily Science Report for 10 October 2017
Location: Hole U1512A (34°1.6′S, 127°57.7′E, 3071 m water depth)
Science Update: We retrieved Cores U1512A-25R to 36R from 230.4 m to 345.6 m. Core recovery remains excellent (average of 88%) with 101.2 m recovered.
Cores 18R to 29R (163.2–277.8 m) were described and they consist of dark silty claystone. Discrete glauconitic sandstone layers (each about 10 cm thick) occur about once per core. There are also numerous burrows that are infilled with glauconitic sandstone. This material is barren of calcareous nannofossils and foraminfera, although there are abundant agglutinated foraminifers and shell fragments. Pore water geochemical profiles and increasing methane concentrations downhole suggest that we are below the sulfate–methane transition, which was likely around 100 m, and are in the methanogenesis (biogenic) zone.
Daily Science Report for 9 October 2017
Location: Hole U1512A (34°1.6′S, 127°57.7′E, 3071 m water depth)
Science Update: We retrieved Cores U1512A-14R to 24R from 134.4 to 230.4 m, recovering 96.3 m. Core recovery continues to be excellent at an average of 91%.
Cores U1512A-8R to 17R (~77–163 m) were described; Cores 8R and 9R are predominantly dark silty clay, and Cores 10R to 17R are dark claystone. There are two discrete sandstone layers (about 10 cm thick) in Sections 13R-5 and 17R-6; the latter contains glauconite. The base of Core 15R was dated to nannofossil zone CC15/16a (Santonian) and the few planktonic foraminifera present agree with a Late Cretaceous age. Below this core, the material is barren of calcareous nannofossils and foraminfera, although there are agglutinated foraminifers and abundant shell fragments.
Daily Science Report for 8 October 2017
Location: Hole U1512A (34°1.6′S, 127°57.7′E, 3071 m water depth)
Science Update: We continued RCB coring, and Cores U1512A-3R to 13R penetrated from 28.7 to 124.8 m and recovered 98.2 m. Core recovery has improved dramatically, averaging 93%.
Cores U1512A-1R to 7R were described. Core 1R to Section 2R-1 consists of foraminifer-rich nannofossil ooze that is Pleistocene in age. A sharp contact in Section 2R-1 marks a lithological change from ooze to dark silty clay. This clay is the dominant lithology in the subsequent cores and is likely Late Cretaceous in age. It contains biosiliceous material (radiolarians, diatoms, and sponge spicules), rare calcareous nannofossils, and extremely rare foraminifera, as well as abundant pyrite and some glauconite.
Daily Science Report for 7 October 2017
Location:
• Transit to Site U1512
• Hole U1512A (34°1.6′S, 127°57.7′E, 3070.87 m water depth)
Science Update: We arrived at Site U1512 (proposed Site WCED-4A) in the Great Australian Bight at 0530 h. The rig floor made preparations for rotary coring and we started Hole U1512A at 2120 h. We retrieved Cores U1512A-1R (7% recovery) and 2R (21% recovery) to 28.7 meters below sea floor (mbsf). Hole U1512A is the only hole planned at this site with a target depth of 570 mbsf; two wireline logging runs will be attempted after coring with the triple combination and Formation MicroScanner (FMS)-sonic tool strings.
Before the first core arrived on deck at 2240 h, the science party attended a science seminar from one of the geochemists on Cenomanian/Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 from southern high-latitude Pacific sites. They also finalized all preparations in the laboratories.
Daily Science Report for 6 October 2017
Location: In transit to Site U1512 (proposed Site WCED-4A)
Science Update: We are underway to our first site (Site U1512) in the Great Australian Bight with an estimated time of arrival of 0600 h on 7 October. The remaining half of the science party were given full ship tours by the Operations Superintendent and members of the ship’s crew. The science party also completed their laboratory setup with safety training on the handheld X-ray fluorescence device by the X-ray Laboratory technician. The Co-Chief Scientists and Expedition Project Manager began reviews of the laboratory groups’ Methods section drafts. The second of several planned science seminars was given by one of the Stratigraphic Correlators on reconstructing water masses and circulation with neodymium isotopes.
Daily Science Report for 5 October 2017
Location: In transit to Site U1512 (proposed Site WCED-4A)
Science Update: We are underway to our first site (Site U1512) in the Great Australian Bight. After averaging almost 12 kt, our estimated time of arrival is now 0600 h on 7 October. Approximately half of the science party were given full ship tours by the Operations Superintendent and members of the ship’s crew. The science party also finalized their laboratory setup and their Methods sections. The first of several planned science seminars was given by one of the Co-chief Scientists on seismic oceanography.
Daily Science Report for 4 October 2017
Location: In transit to Site U1512 (proposed site WCED-4A)
Science Update: After arriving at the Portland, Victoria, Australia pilot station to allow a crew member to depart at 1245 h, we continued on our transit to the first site (Site U1512) in the Great Australian Bight. Our estimated time of arrival is 1100 h on 7 October. The scientists on the night shift received a core flow tour from the technical staff. The science party continued laboratory setup and orientation and are finalizing their Methods sections. The Sample Allocation Committee held meetings with the laboratory groups to finalize the sampling plan for shipboard analyses.
Daily Science Report for 3 October 2017
Location: In transit to Site U1512 (proposed Site WCED-4A)
Science Update: We are underway to our first site (Site U1512) in the Great Australian Bight. At 1815 h, we changed course towards shore to allow a crew member to depart the ship on 4 October, after which we will continue onwards to the site. The scientists on the day shift (noon to midnight) received a core flow tour from the technical staff, which will be repeated for the opposite shift. The science party continued laboratory setup and orientation, as well as working on their Methods sections.
Daily Science Report for 2 October 2017
Location: In transit to Site U1512 (proposed Site WCED-4A)
Science Update: We are underway to our first site (Site U1512) in the Great Australian Bight. The weather and sea state improved and we are now averaging ~9 kt with an estimated arrival of 1300 h on 6 October. The science party are continuing work in their laboratory groups on their Methods sections and preparations for arrival on site.
Daily Science Report for 1 October 2017
Location:
• Macquarie Wharf, Berth 4, Hobart, Australia
• In transit to Site U1512 (proposed Primary Site WCED-4A)
Science Update: The loading of all freight was completed and final port call activities came to a close. We departed Hobart at 0710 h and began the transit to our first site (Site U1512; proposed Site WCED-4A) in the Great Australian Bight. We averaged less than 5 kt for the first ~16 h of the transit due to weather conditions. The first boat drill was conducted at 1300 h.
The science party have been working in their laboratory groups on their Methods sections and preparing for arrival at our first site. We anticipate arriving on site during the afternoon of 6 October.
Daily Science Report for 30 September 2017
Location: Macquarie Wharf, Berth 4, Hobart, Australia
Science Update: The science party received introductions to IODP publications from the Publications Specialist, as well as their obligations during the expedition and afterwards. They also received an introduction to coring operations from the Operations Superintendent.
Due to weather conditions, our estimated departure was revised to 0700 h on 1 October.
Daily Science Report for 29 September 2017
Location: Macquarie Wharf, Berth 4, Hobart, Australia
Science Update: The science party discussed their personal research interests. They then broke into their laboratory groups and began work in their laboratories with the respective laboratory specialists. During this time, the Sample Allocation Committee met with smaller groups to discuss personal research goals. The Co-Chief Scientists, Staff Scientist, Operations Superintendent, and Logging Scientists met with the Schlumberger Engineer and IODP Underway Geophysics Laboratory Specialist to discuss the logging tools and program; the Logging Scientists were also shown the logging tools. The Co-Chief Scientists, Staff Scientist, Operations Superintendent, and Stratigraphic Correlators also met with members of the drilling crew.
We are currently scheduled to leave Hobart early with an estimated departure of 1600 h on 30 September.
Daily Science Report for 28 September 2017
Location: Macquarie Wharf, Berth 4, Hobart, Australia
Science Update: The Co-Chief Scientists gave an introduction on the expedition science, which was followed by a practical presentation by the Staff Scientist about expedition reports and tasks. The science party received introductions to laboratory safety and were taken on laboratory safety tours, as well as a shipboard safety induction by the Captain, Navigational Officer, and Doctor.
Daily Science Report for 27 September 2017
Location: Macquarie Wharf, Berth 4, Hobart, Australia
Science Update: All members of the science party arrived and settled into their cabins, after which we began orientation activities and expedition preparation. This included getting set up on the network and tips for living at sea. We also continued our port call activities, including the ship’s crew change and loading of freight.
Daily Science Report for 26 September 2017
Location: Macquarie Wharf, Berth 4, Hobart, Australia
Science Update: IODP Australia Cretaceous Climate and Tectonics Expedition 369 officially began at 0930 h. JRSO Technical Staff, the Expedition Project Manager, and Co-Chief Scientists boarded the vessel and began port call activities, including IODP JRSO crew change and crossover and Co-Chief orientations. Scientists are scheduled to board the ship tomorrow (27 September).