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Teachers
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Expedition 309
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Journal
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Week 7
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"'The Rock Will Be Rollin' - Panama Bound! " |
21 - 24 August 2005
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As logging began, there were a few wrinkles, but they were soon smoothed out. The triple combo, which collects most of the basic petrophysical and lithological logs as well as measures borehole width, was used first, followed by the Formation Microscanner (FMS). The FMS measures electrical resistivity. Finally the Ultrasonic Borehole Imager (UBI), which provides downhole acoustic images, was used. I went to the logging winch van to observe the final run of the FMS tool. I watched as the tool was first lowered to a depth of about 1250 meters (4114 ft.) beneath the sea floor and then as it began its 900 ft. per hour ascent. It took about 15.75 hours for the final round trip run of the FMS tool. The logging crew was very pleased with the raw data. Florence Einaudi, Logging Staff Scientist (France); Akram Belghoul, Logging Trainee (France); and Javier Espinosa, Schlumberger Offshore Services (USA), pointed out features such as fracture patterns that could be seen in the log data as they were sent for processing to the shore-based lab at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University.
While logging was being carried out, the science party and technical staff prepared for the end of the cruise. The last core of the cruise was processed, the end-of-expedition “sample party” for shore-based studies was held, and final reports were edited and revised.
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25 August 2005 |
It is a beautiful morning and we are on an easterly heading, on our way back to Panama. We should arrive at 0600 on the 28th. We are all looking forward to getting home and resuming our lives.
As part of my feedback for the cruise, I was asked to list ten things that came to mind about my experiences on Expedition 309. I thought I would share them with you:
People
The myriad of personnel that made up Expedition 309 were incredible. The various crews (Catermar, SOS, TransOcean, IODP) intermingled and blended well with the science party, acting as a well oiled machine. Each person was made to feel as if he or she was an integral part of the operation. Other than a little struggling with language, the multi-national part of the cruise didn’t show that much; we were all of one accord. Everyone was well trained for the jobs that they held. I feel that it would be difficult to find another such mix.
Science
The science accomplished on the ship was of the highest caliber and the open communication among everyone involved helped to make it better. The opinion of every individual was asked for and considered as decisions were being made. The focus and commitment to the group effort were something to behold. I’ve never seen so much cooperation on a single project with absolutely no discord. As one walks through the lab stack you can see people representing various disciplines working on their portion of the project. Every time you turn a corner on the ship there are examples of what is taught in the classroom.
Laboratories
The state-of-the-art laboratories are outstanding. The equipment and testing, although specific to ocean drilling, can be compared to none. As I walked through the labs I was in awe of the work being accomplished in them. There were experiments and testing being performed of the type that one only sees on TV. Just being nearby and watching was enough, but being asked to participate was awesome.
Core
What can I say – I love rocks! Being able to look at and handle core from about 4900 meters below sea level was wonderful. I routinely buy samples of this type of rock to use in my classroom, but here was the chance to see it being brought up, discuss it with experts and be involved as it was being described. Being a part of this process has been an unparalleled opportunity for me and will now add to the classroom experience for my students.
Drilling
It was fascinating watching the drilling process firsthand and being able to ask questions of the people doing the work. The equipment they use still floors me; I can’t get over that someone decided that they wanted to drill through the ocean crust, and then devised a way to do it. The scale of the equipment, tolerances needed and tasks accomplished show that man can do anything if he puts his mind to it. The crew running this machinery works very well together – it’s almost like they were choreographed. All know the equipment they’re using, and what the person beside them will do next.
Ship
She’s a beauty to behold. Set against any background, the JOIDES Resolution strikes a beautiful portrait. Having seen pictures of her prior to the cruise, she was still quite a sight when I first saw her. The sight of the derrick lit against the night sky took my breath away. The reality of the cruise hit when I saw her. The JR is maintained well. While out at sea maintenance goes on: the crew was cleaning, priming and painting, as well as making other repairs while core was being brought up.
Comfort
The care afforded by the Catermar staff was excellent. They cooked our food and cleaned up after us, always with smiles on their faces. The variety and quality of food was excellent. The laundry and housekeeping staff was great. They were able to keep up with the many shift changes without missing a step. The Catermar staff bent over backwards to help. If there was anything was needed, all you had to do was ask.
Recreation
Even though the amount of time one was off shift and not sleeping was small, there was more than enough to keep you busy. There were movies to watch, AFN TV, relaxing in the sun (when the sun was out), reading, games and organized activities. From the kite-flying and karaoke contests to the discussions centered on the latest episodes of “Desperate Housewives” or “Nip/Tuck,” anyone could and was encouraged to get involved. If you wanted to be by yourself, you could, but the camaraderie with your shipmates was an experience not to be missed.
As I typed out the first eight words I became aware of a theme running through them:
Cooperation
Everyone on-board from the captain right on down was interested in what was going on and if they could do anything to help. If someone needed anything they were comfortable enough to ask for it. Help generally came very quickly, usually right on the spot. If help was asked for, and more than one person was in a position to help, the best possible solution was found and implemented.
It was a great environment for the first time sailors on the JR. Those with previous experience (no matter what department or position held) jumped right in to guide us through the intricacies of life on the drillship. Competition was non existent, except for the sponsored contests – it was great to see people from so many countries getting along.
I’ve saved the best for last:
Mentor
I’ve had a great mentor on this trip! If I had a question or concern, Paula Weiss, IODP/TAMU Marine Curatorial Specialist (US), was right there, either helping me herself or giving me a direction in which to go. Paula knows the JOIDES Resolution and its crew very well, and with her connections I was able to experience much of what was available. Thanks to her I will now be more confident in going out and talking about my experiences because of having been more involved.
It’s been a wonderful experience, and I’ve enjoyed sharing it with everyone and look forward to sharing it with my students and fellow teachers. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this journal as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Thanks for reading my journal,
Alan
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