Date: Tue, 24 Dec 96 13:25:13 PST
From: mix@oce.orst.edu (Alan Mix)
To: shipsked@ucsd.edu
Subject: Cruise addition.
Rose & Liz - the "van Geen" addition to the Revelle Chile
cruise is as follows:
Survey Area Boundaries:
N = 22 deg 55 min S
S = 23 deg 05 min S
W = 70 deg 40 min W
E = 70 deg 20 min W
Operations will be:
Bathymetric and 3.5 kHz &/or seismic survey, to find suitable
coring sites in or near Bahia de Mejillones, followed by sediment
coring of two to five sites in the survey area using piston, gravity,
and/or multicore devices.
The sites were proposed by a collaborative effort of:
Dr. Lex van Geen, Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory,
Palisades, NY 10964
Dr. Luc Ortlieb, Antofagasta, Chile.
Mr. Jorge Valdes (graduate student) Univ. Concepcion, Chile.
The scientific goal is to study the history of low oxygen
water masses, with hypothesized variations associated with
El Nino / Southern Oscillation climate changes, by obtaining
long sediment cores at water depths ranging from about 80 to
>200 m water depth.
The proponents and NSF understand that this addition ranks as third
priority, behind the Mix et al. and McManus/Klinkhammer studies,
and will be dropped if the cruise is running behind schedule.
I have faxed you separately a map of the area supplied by
van Geen and Ortlieb.
Thanks very much,
Alan.
*************************************************
Date: Tue, 4 Jun 96 16:10:23 PDT
From: mix@oce.orst.edu (Alan Mix)
To: shipsched@ucsd.edu, restech@sdsioa.ucsd.edu
Subject: for Melville pre-cruise meeting.
To SIO Shipscheduling and ResTechs -
Attached below is an ASCII version of a document I'll bring to
the R/V Melville pre-cruise meeting tomorrow. It attempts to
detail the equipment needs for the Melville cruise off Chile.
I'm sending it ahead of time so you can have a look and be ready
with responses, or questions for me -- thought this would be
helpful. The ASCII transmission may goof up some formatting,
and of course the figures aren't here. I'll bring a few clean
copies for everyone tomorrow.
Looking forward to the meeting. If I'm a few minutes late, it
means my plane was delayed. I'm trying to do this without an
overnight stay, which makes for a long day. In theory my
plane gets to the airport at 9:15, and I'll rent a car to
come out to MARFAC. I can get to MARFAC, but I don't know where
the conference room is -- any hints?
Cheers, Alan Mix
Oregon State University.
_____________________________________________
Here's the ASCII document:
_____________________________________________
SOUTHEAST PACIFIC PALEOCEANOGRAPHIC TRANSECTS:
PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS AND EQUIPMENT PLAN
PREPARED FOR R/V MELVILLE PRE-CRUISE MEETING: 5 JUNE 1996
Alan C. Mix1, Nicklas G. Pisias1, Larry A. Mayer2, Peter Kalk1
1College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oceanography
Administration Building 104, Oregon State University,
Corvallis, OR 97331 USA
2Ocean Mapping Group, Dept. of Geodesy and Geomatics
Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredricton,
NB E3B 5A3 CANADA.
Contact: A.C. Mix:
Phone: 503-737-5212, Fax: 503-737-2064,
Email: mix@oce.orst.edu ,
WWW: http://corelab-www.oce.orst.edu/
JUNE 4, 1996
This document, prepared for the 5 June 1996 pre-cruise meeting
at MarFac, provides a preliminary outline of shipboard operations,
needs for special gear, and shipping requirements for an NSF-funded
program to study sedimentary geology of the SE Pacific Ocean off
Chile. This cruise is tentatively scheduled from 18 February - 28
March 1997, aboard R/V Melville, from Punta Arenas Chile to
Antofagasta Chile. We are providing this early-stage planning
document to Scripps Institution of Oceanography, for purposes of
planning pre-cruise operations and insuring appropriate gear is
ready for the cruise. We anticipate loading some gear onto the
ship in San Diego, in August 1996, and note the volumes and weights
of materials we could load at that time. Note, however, that
although NSF program managers have recommended this program for
funding, at present we have not yet received official word of NSF
funding approval, or a final budget. This document is thus
preliminary, and aspects of this plan may change.
A preliminary cruise plan, including site locations and a detailed
schedule of operations was provided separately to SIO Ship Scheduling
and Resident Technicians in a document dated 16 April 1996.
Summarizing that document, the primary field operations will be:
A) High-resolution bathymetric mapping using SEABEAM-2000 in
approximately 15 survey areas and transits connecting the areas,
B) Digital single-channel seismic in approximately 15 survey areas,
and selected transits.
C) High resolution digital 3.5 kHz profiling with as much penetration
of the sediment as possible throughout the cruise.
D) Sediment coring (using piston- and multi-coring systems supplied
by Oregon State University) of approximately 30 sites.
E) Shipboard laboratory work on the sediment cores.
F) Possible ancillary operations such as pore-water sampling, ADCP,
hydrocasts, and biological sampling under review.
In sections below, we note critical equipment needs for each of these
operations, and current plans for shipping and installation of gear.
The co-chief scientists, Drs. Alan Mix, Nicklas Pisias, and Larry Mayer,
and coring technician Pete Kalk, all have extensive experience in these
kinds of seagoing operations, and have worked with Scripps personnel at
sea in the past.
A) SEABEAM-2000 OPERATIONS
The purpose of SeaBeam operations is to characterize bathymetry in the
survey areas, in order to optimize placement of coring sites and future
drilling sites. Most of the sites comprise depth transects on bathymetric
rises or the continental margin, thus determining regional bathymetry is
critical. SeaBeam will be run during all survey operations, and most
transits.
SIO will be fully responsible for the provision, operation and maintenance
of the multibeam system. SIO will also be responsible for providing an
appropriate digital acquisition system, integrating shipboard navigation,
motion and heading sensing. SIO will provide the real-time quality
assurance and hardcopy capability necessary to assure that the data being
collected is of the highest quality possible and meets the requirements
of the scientific team.
We expect that the SeaBeam system will meet its listed specifications:
150 degree swath in water depths to 1500 m
120 degree swath in water depths to 6000 m
Both bathymetry and sonar imagery will be provided. Recorded raw data will
include depth cross track, and amplitude for each beam merged with navigation
and sensor information. This data will be provided on EXABYTE tape as raw
SeaBeam data telegrams. In addition, SIO will be responsible for providing
processed data including cleaned and gridded, navigationally corrected
bathymetry (in ASCII x,y,z or other mutually agreed upon format), contour
plots, and geometrically corrected side scan mosaics. Track line plots
and data files will also be made available. The data will be provided on
EXABYTE tape and in hard copy.
B) DIGITAL SINGLE-CHANNEL SEISMIC PROFILING
The purpose of the SCS program is to place potential drilling targets in a
regional structural context, to ensure that the proposed drilling sites are
most suitable for meeting the objectives outlined in the drilling proposal
(reasonably continuous sedimentation, representative of regional oceanographic
processes), and to ensure that the proposed drill sites are free from potential
hazards. A secondary objective of the SCS program is to explore the potential
of the seismic record as a paleoceanographic tool in its own right. These
objectives, and cruise schedules, demand that the SCS system be capable of
operating optimally at speeds of about 8 knots and penetrating the upper 500 -
1000 m of the sedimentary section in order to define the depth of acoustic
basement.
Resolution within the sedimentary section should be as high as possible,
given the constraints of penetration. The system should be flexible enough
to be able to increase sampling rate (and thus resolution) when deep
penetration is not needed. Ideally the system should have a bandwidth on
the order of 1 kHz; sampling rate should be variable but the system should
certainly be capable of sampling at rates of at least 0.25 msec. Depth of
the streamer array should be monitored (e.g., depth transducer on array).
The data will be acquired digitally and stored in standard SEG-Y format on
EXABYTE tape. Monitor records will be provided to assure data quality and
facilitate real-time decision making. The ability to process data on board
is required. SIOSEIS is the processing package of choice. A calibration of
the system will be required including a far-field recording of the outgoing
seismic source characteristics (measured in the configuration to be used
during the survey).
The co-chief scientist with primary responsibility for oversight of SCS
operations will be Dr. Larry Mayer. Operations will be subcontracted , and
SIO will be fully responsible for the provision, operation and maintenance of
a seismic system capable of providing the data described above. SIO will
also be responsible for providing a digital acquisition system that meets
the requirements described above, integrating shipboard navigation into this
system, and providing the real-time quality assurance and hardcopy capability
necessary to assure that the data being collected is of the highest quality
possible and meets the requirements of the scientific team. The scientific
party will, of course, provide suitable watchstanders to monitor operations
during the cruise, and will participate in data processing during and after
the cruise.
C) HIGH-RESOLUTION, DIGITAL 3.5 kHz PROFILING.
As with the SCS system, the 3.5 kHz system will used to assure that the
uppermost sediments at proposed drill and coring sites (and between drill
sites) are suitable for the objectives of the drilling program, to understand
the continuity of recent sedimentation between drill sites and to ensure that
the proposed drill sites are free from potential hazards. Ideally, the system
will provide reasonably noise-free records while steaming at normal cruising
speed (10 - 11 knots) with typical penetration of the upper 50 - 100 m of
sediment in a pelagic or hemipelagic setting. The data will be recorded
digitally on a system flexible enough to allow for the variation of
digitization rate as a function of penetration. Digitization rates of at
least 10 kHz per channel should be provided. The digital acquisition system
must integrate the shipboard navigation and provide digital data stored on
EXABYTE tapes in standard SEG-Y format or in some other mutually agreed upon
format.
SIO will be fully responsible for the provision, operation and maintenance of
the 3.5 kHz. SIO will also be responsible for providing a digital acquisition
system that meets the requirements described above, integrating shipboard
navigation into this system, and providing the real-time quality assurance and
hardcopy capability necessary to assure that the data being collected is of the
highest quality possible and meets the requirements of the scientific team.
The scientific party will provide watchstanders to monitor 3.5 kHz operations
during the cruise, and will participate in data processing during and after the
cruise.
We understand from discussions with recent chief scientists and others that
although R/V Melville's current 3.5 kHz system is technically functional, it
may not be up to the capabilities we envision. For example, Figure 1 is a
typical recent analog 3.5 kHz record from R/V Melville (unknown location), in
which it is sometimes difficult to locate the sea floor, and there is often
little penetration of sediment or resolution of sedimentary reflectors. For
comparison, Figure 2 is a typical digital 3.5 kHz record from German vessel R/V
Sonne (from Nazca Ridge), which clearly resolves the upper 0.1 seconds (~75 m)
of sediment, and often gives some sense of sedimentary structures to 0.2 seconds
(~150 m) of penetration. We request that SIO investigate reasonable options to
bring the R/V Melville's 3.5 kHz system up to quality of typical modern
oceanographic systems, and that appropriate modifications to the system be
made prior to the start of the cruise.
xxxxxxx
Figure 1 Recent R/V Melville 3.5 kHz.
xxxxxxxx
Figure 2. Recent R/V Sonne 3.5 kHz.
D) SEDIMENT CORING.
The goal of sediment coring on this cruise is to obtain 1) long continuous
records of sediments that monitor climatic, oceanographic, and chemical changes
in the region (via piston and gravity coring), and 2) high-quality samples of
the sediment-water interface for purposes of modern calibration and process
studies (via multicoring). Piston-coring, gravity-coring, and multi-coring gear
will be supplied by Oregon State University. Most of this gear could be loaded
aboard R/V Melville during its San Diego port call, in August 1996 (see attached
list A for weights, volumes, and dollar values of equimpent). Some gear will
be in use elsewhere during Fall 1996, however, and will be shipped directly to
Punta Arenas (e.g., the multicore system and some laboratory equipment).
The OSU group will provide a suitable coring team to assist with operations.
Included in this group, OSU coring technician Pete Kalk will rig and maintain
coring gear under the supervision of co-chiefs (Nick Pisias and Alan Mix) and
in cooperation with the SIO Resident Technician and R/V Melville personnel.
During coring operations, we assume that R/V Melville personnel will operate the
winches, that the SIO Resident Technician will be in charge of deck operations
of the scientific gear in consultation with the scientific party, and that Pete
Kalk and the OSU coring team will participate fully in the operations.
Placement of coring gear on deck and critical operational needs will be
approximately as follows:
1) Multicorer: During the cruise, the Multicore will most likely be operated
from the fantail, using the stern A-frame. No additional crane usage is required
for multicore operations, as long as the A-frame is tall enough and has sufficient
range of motion to move the multicore onto the aft portion of the fantail without
interference from seismic booms or other gear. The stern A-frame should be rated
to at least 10 tons SWL for this operation. Lift weight of the Multicore system
on the deck is about 2000 lb. The OSU multicore system will have one Niskin-type
bottle mounted on its frame, to obtain a bottom water sample near the sea floor.
The bottle will be triggered by the core landing.
2) Piston Core Placement. For operations, piston core gear should be mounted along
the starboard rail. The rotating "bucket" cradle for the piston core weightstand
should be mounted either as far aft, or as far forward as practicable, allowing
space for at least 80 feet of core pipe mounted horizontally either aft or forward
of the weightstand. If the cradle is mounted directly under the starboard "A" frame,
core pipe would be limited to about 40 ft, and this would severely compromise the
primary scientific goals of the cruise, to obtain long continuous sedimentary records.
Choice of forward or aft placement of the weightstand and cradle will probably depend
on crane reach and lift capabilities, and practicality of barrel lift points. Details
of gear placement can be examined when Pete Kalk visits San Diego in August 1996.
3) Crane Use - Piston Core: Launching and recovering the piston core will require
an articulated crane to transfer the vertical piston core system between the rotating
cradle and the starboard "A" Frame. Weight of the piston core during operations at
sea is adjustable, but typically about 5,000 lb. Minimum weight for a 40-ft core is
about 3600 lb. (i.e., 2700 lb. weightstand, 800 lb. core barrels, 100 lb. miscellaneous),
and maximum weight for a 100 ft core is 7300 lb. (i.e., 2700 lb. weightstand, 2400 lb.
lead ingots filling instrument wells, 2000 lb. barrels, 200 lb. misc.). It is likely
that this will exceed the weight limits of the "Allied" crane, noted in the Melville
Handbook (SIO REF 95-01). We seek guidance whether it is within the limits of R/V
Melville's Pettibone TB Crane. We emphasize the importance of the lift and reach
capabilities of the cranes, as this could limit the length of cores attempted.
4) Core Barrel Lift Points: On recovery of the piston core gear, rotating the core
barrel from vertical to horizontal and placement onto outboard core racks will require
one or two lift points along the starboard rail, with load limits of less than 1500 lb.
each. Steel cables attached to the core barrel will be used for rotating the core barrel.
5) Piston Core Liner Extrusion: The OSU Piston Core Extruder System requires a source
of compressed air near the cradle. An air-driven cylinder drives rods that push full
20-ft core liners out the catcher end of the piston core. This extruder minimizes
disassembly of the core pipe, and speeds recovery operations at sea. As the core
liners are extruded, they are cut and capped at ~150 cm intervals. Note that the
coring team will need about 20-ft of relatively open rail space, with outboard racks,
to safely extrude, cut, and recover the piston core liners.
6) Crane and Capstan Use - Gravity/Trigger Core: Launching and recovering the OSU
gravity core (also used as a trigger core for the piston coring system) will require
the use of an articulated crane, such as a "Daybrook" or "Hiab" - type crane, with
access to the starboard "A" Frame, and the ability to move the gravity core barrel
vertically from the starboard side to a vertical storage location between the main
deck and the O-1 deck (lashed to the O-1 rail for temporary storage during core
recovery operations. The maximum load of this gravity core lift will be 1000 lb.
A capstan and line will also be used to lift the trigger/gravity core off its deck-
mounted rack during launching and recovery, and the full trigger core or gravity core
barrel (which separates from the trigger/gravity core weightstand) during recovery.
Depending on placement of coring gear, it might be most appropriate to use Melville's
portable capstan at a convenient location near the starboard side. These details can
be worked out when Pete Kalk visits MarFac in August 1996.
7) Winch, wire, and fittings: Coring operations will require at least 10,000 m of
3x19, 9/16" diameter oceanographic wire rope in excellent condition. If larger
diameter wire is available it would be even better. Given the remote area of
operations, it would be desirable to have two spools of wire available if possible.
The winch or traction unit should be capable of pulling at least 30,000 lb. Typical
pullout tensions for long piston cores in deep water are 20,000 - 24,000 lb. There
must be an adequate supply of Fiege fittings for terminating the wire. Our
understanding is that Fiege fittings are part of the standard ship's equipment, and
that the SIO Resident Technician will be responsible for wire termination. We are
familiar with these operations, and will assist as needed. It must be possible to
transfer the 9/16" wire for use on either the starboard or stern "A" frames,
reasonably quickly, so that we can alternate operations between piston coring and
multicoring. Ideally we would like to be able to rig piston core gear on the
starboard side during multicore operations, and visa versa.
8) Tensiometer. There must be reasonably accurate analog (and if possible also
digital) tensiometer that records wire tension. This is especially critical for
assessing pullout of the piston core from the sea floor. Ideally the tensiometer
should read out both in the winch operator's shack and the laboratory.
9) Pinger. Coring operations will use a suitable acoustic "pinger", to be provided
by SIO, mounted on the coring wire above the coring apparatus, to monitor distance
to the sea floor.
10) Outboard Piston Core Racks. Mounting the piston coring pipe along the starboard
side will require outboard racks, on which 60-100 ft of core pipe will sit. If
suitable racks are not currently available on R/V Melville, we suggest that the Scripps
group build them, approximately following this design, which would be useful with
essentially any piston coring gear:
DRAWING NOT INCLUDED IN ASCII TRANSMISSION
______________________________________________________________________________________
Scale: Drawing not to scale - labels show dimensions.
Material: 1 " x 3 " steel flat bar.
Treatment: Hot dip galvanize after fabrication.
Number: At least 20 units.
Operation: Mount core racks on starboard rail, approx. 5 feet apart, entire
length of core pipe (plus ~20 ft for supporting liner during insertion and removal
from core pipe). During coring operation, racks are not secured to rail. Core pipe
is lifted, racks are removed by sliding backwards, and core pipe is rotated to vertical.
Operation is reversed during recovery. During transit, racks can be secured to rail
with 1/4" bolt or pin (requires drilling hole in rail).
****************************************
Date: Tue, 4 Jun 96 16:10:23 PDT
From: mix@oce.orst.edu (Alan Mix)
To: shipsched@ucsd.edu, restech@sdsioa.ucsd.edu
Subject: for Melville pre-cruise meeting.
______________________________________________________________________________________
11. OSU Refrigerated Van. After cores are taken and archived in the lab, they will
be stored in a 20-foot refrigerated van supplied by OSU. During the cruise, placement
on the main deck would be best, to provide access from the lab area where cores will
be described. Power requirements for this van are: Refrigerator: either 220 volts-
3 phase, 36 amps -or- 440 volts-3 phase, 18 amps. Lights and outlets: 110 volts, single
phase, 20 amps. The refrigeration unit has a build-in generator backup system that can
cover temporary power outages.
12. OSU Coring Van. A small, six-foot van will contain tools and supplies specifically
for coring. It should be placed near the starboard side, reasonably close to the
starboard "A" frame, but also reasonably close to lab entry doors to facilitate access
during transit. One option might be to mount it inside the starboard hanger. Details
can be worked out by Scripps personnel in consultation with coring technician Pete Kalk.
Power requirement is for lights and outlets only 110 volts, single phase, 20 amps.
E) LABORATORY OPERATIONS
1) Barrels and Racks: After recovery, piston, trigger, and gravity core sections will
be stored temporarily, resting vertically in steel barrels supplied by OSU. Barrels
bolt down to Unistrut channels, or can be secured to a bulkhead. We plan to use about
nine barrels (three for incoming cores, two for labeled cores ready to analyze, two
for analyzed cores ready to split, two for temporary D-tube storage). Recovered
multicore tubes will be stored temporarily on a Unistrut rack supplied by OSU. At this
stage, permanent labels are scribed onto the liners. The logical place for this
activity is in one of the Main Deck "Hangars" with easy access to the exterior deck
space and to the interior laboratory. In this space we will also mount a split-core
rack, for temporary storage of split cores in D-tubes, prior to final storage in
reinforced cardboard boxes and deposit in the OSU Refrigerated Van.
2) Whole-round core multi-sensing track (MST). At present, details of the whole-round
core sensing track are under discussion among the co-chief scientists, and thus
specifications noted below may change slightly. Most likely it will be a GEOTEK system
from Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Nova Scotia, Canada which combines sensors for
Gamma Attenuation (referred to as GRAPE), magnetic susceptibility, and P-wave velocity.
If this system is used, it would be shipped directly to Punta Arenas (probably via air
freight, total weight estimated at < 800 lb.). On the ship, this system will be set up
in the main laboratory, against an external bulkhead and away from large and/or
fluctuating magnetic fields (e.g., generators). The system takes about 25 linear feet of
space, including space for a computer and operator, and can sit on normal laboratory
tables. Power requirements are ~30 Amps, 110 V (two 15 Amp, 110 V circuits are fine) of
regulated, reasonably clean, power. It would be useful to connect the MST computer to
the ships computer network, although they can be run in isolation if necessary. For
connections of the MST to the ships ethernet, one local ip address will needed. Connections
are standard "thin net" ethernet cable (10B2).
The P-wave and magnetic susceptibility present no special hazards or licenses. The Gamma
attenuation sensor utilizes a 12 millicurie 137Cs capsule (active element CsCl) to produce
gamma rays at 0.662 MeV. The source capsule is housed in a ~70 mm diameter primary lead
shield and collimator. The collimating hole is about 11 mm in diameter and 52 mm long.
Additional lead shielding is fitted around the base of the source. A Harshaw-type 6S6/1.5B
(NaI) scintillation detector, with photomultiplier tube, is used for counting gamma rays.
The gamma source presents no hazard of spilled or leaked radioactivity, as it is a sealed,
solid source. The location of the unit in the lab will be chosen to minimize access to the
area of this system. Appropriate radiation signs will be posted, and an exclusion zone of
about 1-2 m radius around the source will be enforced. Licensed personnel will be the only
operators of this system. With these appropriate cautions, the gamma system presents no
special problems. Similar units have been used at sea on other ships, including JOIDES
Resolution, R/V Ewing, and R/V Thompson. We have experienced no difficulty shipping the
source with normal delivery companies such as Federal Express.
3) Core Splitting. Following analysis of whole-round cores, they will be split for more
detailed analysis. We will supply a stand-alone core splitter, to open cores at sea. This
procedure will require lab bench space (standard table, 6-ft length), access to standard
110-volt power to drive two vibrating saws. It produces some plastic sawdust, and thus
should occur in the Hangar space where the whole-round cores are staged in barrels.
4) Split-core multisensing track. Working-halves of split cores will be analyzed on the
OSU/SCAT, a Split-Core Analysis Track that senses the surface of split sediment cores at
user-selected depth intervals (typically at intervals of a few cm, on core sections of
about 1.5 m). The primary measurement, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, yields a spectrum
of percent reflectance over the ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared bands (wavelengths
250-950 nm) at a resolution high enough (1024 channels) to calculate spectral shapes needed
for predictions of mineralogy. On OSU/SCAT a split core moves under the optical sensor,
which lands gently on the sediment surface prior to measurement. The lander senses the
surface by touch (strain gauges) and electrical conductivity (two sets of 4-pin conductivity
sensors with thermistors). There are no significant hazards associated with this instrument.
The light sources are enclosed. The OSU/SCAT instrument ships in about 18 boxes, weighs
about 800 lb., and is valued at $60,000. It will be shipped directly to Punta Arenas, most
likely by sea freight, along with the OSU Multicore system, for arrival in January 1997.
The split-core analysis track requires linear bench space of about 25 feet, in an air
conditioned, reasonably clean and dry laboratory (i.e., not exterior space awash with
seawater). Overhead shelf space is used for electronics, and suitable space for two
computers (one PC-type, and one SUN workstation) and seating for a computer operator is
needed. In the past, we have used temporary lab benches and shelves build from Unistrut
and plywood, supplied by the ship operator. Power requirements are ~30 Amps, 110 V (two
15 Amp, 110 V circuits are fine) of regulated, reasonably clean, power. No single element
uses more than 15 amps. Critical pieces of electronic gear are connected to two uninteruptable
power supplies, which the OSU group will supply. It would be useful to connect the OSU/SCAT
computers to the ships computer network, although they can be run in isolation if necessary.
For connections to the ships ethernet, two local ip addresses will needed. Connections are
standard "thin net" ethernet cable (10B2).
6) Visual Core Descriptions: Archive halves of split cores will be described visually, using
standard core describing procedures, which will include occasional analysis of smear slides
or sieving for microscopic analysis of coarse components. OSU will provide microscopes and
relevant supplies. Lab bench space is needed for two microscopes (~ 6 ft), and for laying out
core sections under adequate lighting (~ 6 ft). Access to a sink for cleanup and sieving is
needed.
7) Core Storage: Following splitting describing, and analysis, cores will be stored in
plastic "D" tubes, temporarily in a metal rack supplied by OSU, and permanently in reinforced
cardboard boxes to be stacked in the OSU Refrigerated van. Boxing should be done reasonably
close to the refrigerated van, as the completed boxes are heavy and cumbersome. Cores will
be shipped to the OSU/NORCOR marine geology repository in the OSU refrigerated van, for further
study and permanent storage. Refrigeration should be maintained throughout the cruise and
during shipping.
F) OTHER SHIPBOARD OPERATIONS:
Several ancillary operations are under discussion at present. All are of lower priority than
operations discussed above. We expect final plans that require decisions on equipment
availability to be made in most cases by August 1996, although some decisions may be delayed
by uncertainty over funding. These operations are as follows:
1) Pore Water Sampling: This study, under consideration for funding by NSF, would sample cores
obtained in the existing plan for pore water chemistry. Pore water operations would require
laboratory space for a gimbaled centrifuge and miscellaneous analytical instruments requiring
reasonably clean electrical power, refrigerator and freezer space within the laboratory for sample
storage (walk-in space is not required). We have been advised by NSF that final decision on
funding this operation will be available in November 1996, in time for shipment of OSU gear along
with the multicore system prior to the cruise.
2) ADCP -- Physical Oceanograpers at OSU (M. Kosro and T. Strub) have expressed some interest in
Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler data on this cruise, especially the transits onto the continental
margin that come closest to shore -- one transect in the south coming into the open sea after
leaving Punta Arenas, two transects onto the continental shelf near Concepcion and Valdivia,
and the final transect into port at Antofagasta. They specify the following equipment for ADCP:
150 kHz ADCP transducer and associated gear, relevant computer setup (RDI DAS software preferred
over TRANSECT software), navigation input from NMEA-standard GPS directly to acquisition PC, direct
synchro input to ADCP deck unit, spare circuit cards for ADCP if available. They request a GPS-
based attitude system, including ASHTECH 3DF and/or Trimble TANS-Vector, logged onto main computer.
Meterological data (primarily winds) would be helpful. At this point, we request information about
costs of operating this system during the cruise, so that Kosro and Strub can assess the extent
of their interest relative to cost.
3) CTD/Hydrocast. Physical Oceanographers have also expressed interest in CTD and/or bottle cast
data, at a few sites associated with the ADCP data. Hydrographic stations would be limited to the
upper part of the water column , <1000 m). We request information on costs, in terms of dollars
and time, associated with operating the CTD Rosette at a few locations. Decisions about its use
should be available prior to August 1996.
4) Biological Sampling: We are communicating with Chilean scientists from Univ. Concepcion about
possible participation in this cruise. This would provide for Chilean observers that would help
with clearance issues while adding significant scientific value to the study. The Chilean interests
are uncertain at present, but it appears that most of their interests are biological, including
perhaps obtaining plankton tow information in the transect near Concepcion. We understand that
plankton tows would use the starboard "J" frame and hydro winch, most likely with the SIO 1-m
plankton net. We request advise on costs (dollars and time) for such an operation. We note that
this operation is particularly uncertain at present.
G) PORT OPERATIONS - LOADING AND UNLOADING.
We expect to load as much gear as possible, including the 20-ft OSU refrigerated van, at MarFac in
August 1996. A preliminary estimate of the weight of material that could be loaded in August is
43,703 lb., volume is 3572 cu. ft., and dollar value of the equipment is $115,16 (see LIST A for
detail). On the ship, some material could be stored in the OSU refrigerated van and coring van
between August and February, and others could be stored on deck or in the scientific hold.
Other scientific gear to be shipped to Punta Arenas is less bulky, and could be loaded using the
ship's cranes or by hand. We will need information about the ship's agent in Punta Arenas.
Our present understanding is that R/V Melville is not returning to San Diego soon after our cruise.
If so, we will want to offload most of the OSU gear in Antofagasta, and this will require a shore
crane. Sediment cores and some gear will be shipped in the OSU 20-ft. refrigerated van, and provisions
should be made to make sure the van stays refrigerated during transit (including during temporary
storage in port). Remaining OSU gear will be shipped from Antofagasta in a one-way rented 40-ft non-
refrigerated shipping van.
H) LOGISTICS:
1) Chief Scientist Alan Mix will attend the pre-cruise meeting at MarFac, 5 June 1996.
2) OSU will ship vans and most coring gear to MarFac by truck, in August 1996. OSU coring technician
Pete Kalk could visit MarFac in August 1996 to help load much of the OSU gear for storage on R/V
Melville, and to consult about placement of deck gear for coring operations. We estimate this
operation would take Pete two days -- one for planning in cooperation with SIO Res Tech staff,
and one for helping to load OSU gear onto Melville. Pete's preferred dates are in the week of August
19-23, as this meshes well with his travel to the Southwest Pacific. Pete requests information on how
much gear noted in this document could be loaded in San Diego.
3) OSU will ship additional gear to Punta Arenas, Chile, and much of the gear from Antofagasta Chile
back to the US. We need names, addresses, and phone numbers of Scripps' preferred ship's agents in
Punta Arenas and Antofagasta. Any information on commercial shipping and airline access to Punta
Arenas and Antofagasta would be helpful
4) Contacts and communications: The primary point of contact for this cruise will be with Dr. Alan Mix.
Other key addresses are given as well.
Dr. Alan C. Mix -- Chief Scientist
(Primary Cruise Responsibility - Program Coordination, Core Analysis and Archival)
Oceanography Administration Building, Rm. 104
College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-5503
Phone (541)737-5212, Fax (541)737-2296
EMAIL: mix@oce.orst.edu WWW: http://corelab-www.oce.orst.edu/
Dr. Nicklas G. Pisias -- Co-Chief Scientist
(Primary Cruise Responsibility - Coring Operations)
Oceanography Administration Building, Rm. 104
College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-5503
Phone (541)737-5213 Fax (541)737-2296
EMAIL: pisias@oce.orst.edu
Dr. Larry Mayer
(Primary Cruise Responsibility - Geophysics -- SCS, 3.5 kHz, Swath Mapping)
Ocean Mapping Group
Dept. of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering
University of New Brunswick
Fredericton, N.B., CANADA E3B 5A3
Phone: 506 453-3577
FAX : 506 453-4943
e-mail: larry@omg.unb.ca
WWW: http://www.omg.unb.ca
Mr. Peter Kalk -- OSU coring technician
Oceanography Administration Building, Rm. 104
College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-5503
Phone (541)737-2704
Fax (541-737-2296
G. APPENDICES: NOTE FORMATTING OF TABLE MAY BE CONFUSED IN ASCII TRANSMISSION.
LIST A) Oregon State University coring equipment to be loaded aboard R/V Melville, late
summer 1996, for use in Feb.-March 1997. NOTE THAT THIS IS A PRELIMINARY LIST, FOR PLANNING
PURPOSES. A FINAL LIST WOULD ACCOMPANY SHIPMENT.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Item Container Description S/N Value Wt. Size Volume
(US$) (lb.) inches cu. ft.
LxWxH
_____________________________________________________________________________________
OSU1 Van Refrigerated Van N/A 25,000 6,500 240x96x96 1280
OSU2 Van Olive-colored van, N/A 5,000 4,000 78x60x64 173
Containing Line, Tools,
Misc. Coring Supplies
OSU3 Loose Steel Pallet Jack 182777 900 218 48x27x48 36
OSU4 Pallet Steel Corer Cradle N/A 10,000 4,000 72x48x72 144
OSU5 Pallet 1-Steel Gravity Corer N/A 17,000 2,000 45x43x54 61
2-Stainless Steel Gravity
Corers
22-50 lb. Lead Wts.
OSU6 Pallet 105-20 ft. long sections N/A 3,000 2,625 240x48x 48 320
of 4" PVC Plastic Pipe
OSU7 Loose 18-Boxes Plastic End N/A 800 300 15x15x18 each 30
Caps (#B-629 - 50 each)
1 Box Plastic End
Caps (#1840 - 500)
OSU8 Loose 9-Steel Barrels N/A 65 360 24diax36h 108
(Each)
OSU9 Pallet Stainless Steel Corer N/A 8,000 2,700 45x39x65 66
Weight Stand (PC1)
OSU10 Pallet Stainless Steel Corer N/A 8,000 2,700 45x39x65 66
Weight Stand (PC2)
OSU11 Pallet 4-600 lb. Lead Weights. N/A 1,000 2,400 36x36x45 34
OSU12 Pallet 4-600 lb. Lead Weights. N/A 1,000 2,400 36x36x45 34
OSU13 RACK 12-10 ft long Steel Pipes. N/A 6,000 2,400 120x44x66 202
OSU14 RACK 11-10 ft long Steel Pipes. N/A 6,000 2,400 120x16x42 47
1 - 6 ft. long Steel Pipe
-OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY EQUIPMENT (continued)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Item Container Description S/N Value Wt. Size Volume
(US$) (lb.) inches cu. ft.
LxWxH
_____________________________________________________________________________________
OSU15 Loose 2-Steel Sawhorses N/A 500 300 40x28x26 17
1 Steel "D-tube" rack
OSU16 Loose 12-Boxes, each N/A 2,400 500 20x16x24 each 53
each containing 20
plastic Multicorer
tubes (4"x24")
OSU17 Pallet 1 Wooden Box N/A 1,000 300 87x38x56 110
containing 85 waxed
cardboard boxes.
OSU18 Pallet 1 Wooden Box N/A 1,000 300 87x38x56 110
containing 85 waxed
cardboard boxes.
OSU19 Pallet 504 wood 2x4's N/A 1,000 2,000 60x48x48 80
- 65 Plastic "D" Tubes
OSU20 Loose 10 Boxes, each N/A 4,000 2,000 41x38x64 each 577
containing 90 Plastic
"D" Tubes
OSU21 Pallet Aluminum Core Extruder N/A 1,500 100 36x30x12 8
OSU22 Pallet Core Splitter System N/A 12,000 200 72x30x12 16
_____________________________________________________________________________________
TOTALS (OSU) Value: $115,165 Weight: 43,703 lb. Volume: 3572 cu. ft.
*************************************************
SOUTHEAST PACIFIC PALEOCEANOGRAPHIC TRANSECTS:
PRELIMINARY CRUISE PLAN
Alan C. Mix1, Nicklas G. Pisias1, Larry A. Mayer2
1 College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oceanography
Administration Building 104, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA
2 Ocean Mapping Group, Dept. of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering,
University of New Brunswick, Fredricton, NB E3B 5A3 CANADA.
Contact: A.C. Mix: Phone: 503-737-5212, Fax: 503-737-2064, Email:
mix@oce.orst.edu
16 April 1996
This document provides a preliminary outline of field operations for an NSF-
funded program to provide site survey information prior to ODP drilling in
depth transects and a latitudinal transect in the SE Pacific Ocean. We are
providing this document to Scripps Institution of Oceanography, for purposes
of obtaining clearance for study in sites off Chile and Peru, and to begin
planning for seagoing operations. NSF has requested that we plan this cruise
for R/V Melville in early 1997 (Austral Summer).
The primary field operations will be:
1) high-resolution bathymetric mapping using SEABEAM-2000,
2) digital single-channel seismic,
3) High resolution digital 3.5 kHz profiling with as much penetration of
the sediment as possible
4) Sediment coring (using piston- and multi-coring systems supplied by
Oregon State University)
Most of the sites are located on bathymetric highs outboard of the Peru-Chile
trench, to avoid as much as possible terrigenous turbidites and tectonic
complexities on the margin, but are close to the continents to maximize
sedimentation rates in the zone of high productivity and hemipelagic sediment
influx. A few of the sites are on the Chilean continental margin, under coastal
upwelling centers. The transects are designed to obtain hemipelagic and
pelagic sediments that monitor past changes in watermasses associated with
deep inflow and mid-depth outflow from the Pacific, latitudinal variations in
the Humboldt and Cape Horn Currents, and upwelling on the Chilean margin.
The cruise plan and tentative station areas is outlined in Table 1. Note that
each named ÒstationÓ in Table 1 is the approximate center point of a Survey
Area. This plan notes fifteen such Survey Areas. Site names follow current
Ocean Drilling Program conventions, with a 3-letter location code (NAZ = Nazca
Rise, CBA = Chile Basin, CRI = Chile Rise) a sequential number within each area,
and a letter (B here indicates our second iteration on each site, revising the
locations noted in earlier documents submitted to the Ocean Drilling Program,
C indicates the third iteration, and so on). Each Survey area will contains two
stations for coring.
For purpose of obtaining clearance for operations in Chilean and/or Peruvian
waters, we expect operations to occur within 1 degree latitude and longitude of
sites noted in table 1, including transit tracks between sites.
TABLE 1: Cruise outline, with 15 target areas. Precise coring locations will be
modified at sea based on detailed geophysical survey. Following this survey,
we will core primary and secondary locations within each station area with
piston core and multicore (i.e., two PC and two MC at each named station. Note
that target areas close together, such as (CRI-1B & 2B), (CBA-2B & -2C), and
(NAZ-2B, -3B, & -4B) will be surveyed together, followed by coring.
The operational plan for each target area will be to begin the survey with
swath map, 3.5 kHz profiler, and digital water-gun seismic profiling. Initial
survey track lines are about 10-20 nm in length, to be crossed later by at least
two crossing lines (or more in areas of complex bathymetry or poorly known
areas). Crossing lines will run about 6 to 10 miles in length, and will be spaced
about 3 miles apart. We expect that a typical geophysical survey, forming a
partial grid within about 30 nm of each proposed site, will take about 18 hours
(including deployment and recovery of seismic gear).
Following geophysical survey, we will core primary and secondary sites
within each Survey Area, using piston core and multicore gear supplied by the
OSU coring group. Coring time estimates include time for setup and deployment
of the piston core, switching the 9/16Ó coring wire from the starboard side
(piston coring) to the stern (multicoring), deploying the multicore, moving
the ship to a secondary location in the survey area, and repeating the PC and
MC coring operation. Estimated station times vary from area to area, because
the calculation includes variable lowering times to the sea floor as a function
of water depth (50m/min for PC, and 60m/min for MC are assumed). We may
also want to do some smaller-wire operations such as water sampling and/or
plankton towing during this station time (obviously not while coring wire is
over the side).
Note that final coring sites will be determined at sea based on the detailed
geophysical survey. This means that the shipboard party will have to
maintain some flexibility as there will be schedule changes at sea. This is
typical of coring operations. We will plan to keep the SEABEAM-2000 system
and 3.5 kHz profiler operating on the transit lines between all survey areas.
In table 1, transits that note speeds of 11 knots have no single-channel
seismic operations, while transits that note speeds of 7 knots include single-
channel seismic operations.
Special equipment needs for seismic and coring operations are:
1) Compressor, water guns, and hydrophone streamers appropriate for high-
resolution digital seismic profiling.
2) Excellent working 3.5kHz system -- we require good sub-bottom penetration
and digital recording of the 3.5 kHz data.
3) Open Rail Space - suitable for rigging piston cores with 80 feet of pipe plus
weightstand. OSU will supply the coring gear, including hinged ÒbucketÓ
system for safely deploying piston core head.
4) Fantail Access - suitable for launching the multicore system over the stern,
without interfering with deck-mounted gear (booms, etc.) for seismic operations.
5) 9/16Ó wire, traction unit, and winch in good condition. Note that the OSU
Piston Coring System is large, and heavy, with a weight on lowering of about
5000 lb. Pullouts of the piston core from the sea floor can exceed 20,000 lbs at
the shipboard tensiometer, and thus a wire in good condition that has not been
stressed beyond its elastic limit by dredging operations is essential.
6) A functioning, reasonably accurate, tensiometer with both digital and
analog readout.
7) Space and appropriate power for OSU refrigerated van.
8) Deck handling gear (articulated crane, etc.) appropriate for deploying
coring and seismic gear.
In the shipÕs laboratory space at sea, we expect to:
1) Analyze unsplit sediment cores with a GRAPE (Gamma Ray Attenuation
Porosity Evaluator) and magnetic susceptibility logging system. This system
includes a sealed, shielded, solid-source of gamma radiation. It has been used
at sea before, and does not create any risk of spilled radioactive materials. It
may, however, require special clearance, a certified operator, and a laboratory
set up with a small area of restricted entry. This has not been a problem on
previous cruises.
2) Split cores at sea, and analyze for reflectance spectroscopy using the OSU
Split Core Analysis Track. This system present no hazards, but requires
significant space, and access to reasonably clean electrical power.
3) Describe cores visually for normal sedimentological contents.
4) Archive the sediment cores in a refrigerated van (supplied by OSU group)
5) Start preliminary seismic processing, and produce seabeam maps and
seismic plots appropriate to the survey.
An additional proposal is now in review (McManus et al, 1995) that would
perform some analysis of pore waters from the sediment cores, and if funded
this would require additional laboratory and refrigerator space. for pore-
water squeezing.
PERSONNEL AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The primary contact person for this
cruise will be Alan Mix at Oregon State University. Co-chief scientists for this
cruise will be Alan Mix and Nick Pisias at Oregon State University, and Larry
Mayer at University of New Brunswick. All three investigators have planned
and executed successful site surveys in the past (including with Scripps
personnel aboard R/V Washington, the Venture-I expedition), and will use a
similar mode of operation to complete the work proposed here.
For the field program, Mix will be responsible for program coordination and
detailed cruise plans, and for archiving and analyzing the sediment cores in
the lab. Pisias will take primary responsibility for the coring facility,
including OSU coring technician Pete Kalk and deployment of coring gear in
cooperation with SIO personnel. Mayer will be responsible for all geophysics.
Seismic operations will be subcontracted. Seabeam-2000 will be operated by
staff from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, following standard
institutional policy, but final responsibility for bathymetric data will be with
Mayer. Mr. George Bouchard, former seagoing technician from Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, has asked to participate in return for partial
travel expenses, and if this is acceptable to the Scripps group we would
welcome his participation.
At present, the shipboard scientific party will consist of at least 18 people: co-
chief scientists Alan Mix, Nick Pisias, and Larry Mayer, postdoctoral scientist
Steve Bloomer, OSU coring technician Pete Kalk, four additional OSU
technicians and/or graduate students, four SIO technicians for seabeam and
computer operations. One SIO Resident Technician. One technician (from SIO
or some other institution) for single-channel seismic operations. Volunteer
Bouchard (who we understand will also be on the previous cruise of R/V
Melville). We expect that there may be one or two Chilean observers on board
for operations in Chilean waters, and have been in communication with Prof.
Victor Gallardo of University of Concepcion, Chile regarding local scientific
participants.
This list of personnel and operations is tentative. We have received a few
other informal requests for participation, and at least one proposal that would
modify the plan is in review. We will keep the ship operator informed about
changes in plan as they develop.