LAB OFFICER'S REPORT

Roy Davis

Science Objectives

"The Costa Rica Seismogenesis Project (CRISP) is designed to understand the processes that control nucleation and seismic rupture of large earthquakes at erosional subduction zones. This expedition will focus on constraining the boundary conditions of lithology, fluid flow, and thermal structure that trigger unstable slip in the seismogenic zone along a drilling transect at two slope sites. These slope sites might also serve as pilot holes for potential future proposed riser drilling to reach the aseismic/seismic plate boundary." ,Scientific Prospectus IODP Expedition 334

General Leg Information

Transit 330T ended and Expedition 334 began when the vessel arrived at Puntarenas, Costa Rica. on March 13. This ended the 330T transit from Auckland, New Zeland. The technical staff and scientists boarded on March 15. IODP airfreight and Logging While Drilling tools were loaded. The vessel sailed at 0100 hours on March 17 for Expedition 334's first site. The first part of the Expedition was spent Logging While Drilling at two sites. The ship returned March 24 to Puntarenas to offload the LWD Tools and the Loggers. Then returning to the sites logged coring began. On April 12 the vessel got underway to Puntarenas with an ETA of early on April 13.

Port Call Activities Overview

Puntarenas March 13

Offloading of

• Expedition 330T airfreight.
• Trash

Delivery and loading of

• IODP air
• IODP bulk
• LDEO and Schlumberger freight

Puntarenas April 13

Offloading of

• 11 Pallets of Core
• 2 Gas Bottle Racks
• IODP Surface
• IODP Domestic and Foreign Air
• World Courier Frozen and Refrigerated Samples

Lab Activities

Physical Properties

The Physical Properties lab was busy for such a short expedition with 8 Physical Properties Scientists sailing.

Paleomagnetics Lab

Shallow water and relatively high recovery did not afford much time at all to be in the lab, unfortunately. However, after about a 6-month saga I think we have finally seen the end of the compressor/Haskris-related issues with the magnetometer. The failed bypass valve in the Haskris was replaced while the old compressor was still operating. The compressor was happier almost immediately now that it was getting sufficient cooling from the Haskris. IVC voltages rose to about 2 volts, up from the 1.8 volts observed during 330 and the transit. Two days later we installed the refurbished (essentially new) compressor that was drop-shipped to Auckland. The new compressor made a huge difference in the IVC voltages which now hover at 2.4 volts. The old compressor will be shipped home for refurbishment at the end of X335 in Curacao. It will remain aboard for Superfast as a better-than-nothing spare. The magnetometer is now half-full as of this writing.

Curation

As of 4/8/2011
Samples: 16045 samples were taken on Expedition 334; of these 4103 were shipboard samples and 11942were personal samples. Core recovery was 1393.06 m

Core Discription

Expedition 334 is the first expedition with a strong structural geology contingent during this Phase II of IODP. As such, we learned a lot about the workflow, data gathering techniques and calculation and will serve as baseline information to further develop the ability of DESCINFO and DESClogik to handle structural geology data. The MMT is also modeled in Solidworks© for further development and use in future structural geology expeditions.
Drilling at shallow water depths and the short nature of this expedition did not give enough time for smear slides to be described on board. Also, the science party did not describe the remaining segments of the two cores of 334-U1379B which was heavily sampled for microbiology. A short summary is however included in the initial reports. Some core catchers, especially those that are highly disturbed by drilling and extrusion, were apparently also not described and scanned in the SHMSL. As of the writing of this report, there are about 1735 DESC analysis in the database and 20 microscope images.

X-Ray Lab/ICP Prep

All equipment operated without any serious problems.
Expedition analyses:
Total XRD: 119 and still counting
Total ICP: 108 and still counting processed not analyzed

Micropaleontology/Microscope Labs

The microscopes were configured as per the request of the users. The microscope usage was light with a setup for microfossils (Axioskope, Objectives: 40 phase contrast, 63x and 100x oil), a binocular for foraminifera analyses, a Axioskope for sedimentological investigations and a fluorescence microscope for geomicrobiology. The mercury arc lamp at the microbiology microscope was replaced before the first core was on deck.

Downhole Measurement Lab

At 2 Holes a total of 10 deployments of the APCT3 temperature tool.

Engineering Report

See Report

Electronic Technicians Report

See Report

Publications Specialist

Overall expedition 334 seemed to be a busy and productive expedition. As a first time yeoperson, I encountered obvious learning curves and adjustments. However, members of the IODP technical staff, as well as participants of the science party, went out of their way to be helpful, patient and assist me in making the transition. Minor issues with equipment and software have occurred to date, as well as with the volume material and submission process. All issues were quickly addressed and/or solved. Approximately 188 visual core descriptions for Hole U1379C, (118), Hole U1378B (~60), Hole U1380A (~10), and Hole U1381 (to be determined as of 8-April) were created, proofed and corrected during the expedition. Due to the short transits and expedition, as well as additional constraints, volume material appeared to be reaching the publication office slower then anticipated. However, submissions began to quickly pick up following the first site. Given our current status and our transit to another site, I am anticipating a hectic remaining few days and the strong likely hood of new material and/or adjustments following the expedition.

Thin Section Lab

A total of 8 thin-sections were made. Three were vacuum-impregnated with epoxy.

Imaging Lab

A typical expedition as far as imaging is concerned.

Underway Geophysics Lab

The magnetometer was deployed on the transit across the Pacific. Bathymetric data was collected on the transit from Auckland and L1T, L2T, L6T, and L7T of Exp 334. The sonar was not used when making return visits to the 334 sites, as an accurate PDR had already been obtained. Navigation data was collected throughout the entire transit and expedition.

Fantail

The magnetometer was deployed for the duration of the long transit, being pulled in once to ensure the connections were still secure. At this mid-point of the transit we found the magnetometer had received a shark bite. The magnetometer performed well and no data was lost. The problem of the SeaSPY software requiring a re-sync with the GPS only occurred once.

System Manager's Report

During Expedition 330T and 334 the IT infrastructure performed as intended with little to no adverse impact to operations. Some resources such as GroupWise Web Access would stop occasionally and would require restarting the service. The Cumulus service on Etna continues to cause the message log to use an excessive amount of disk space requiring a restart of the service. We had some hardware failure in our servers but this caused no interruptions to service.
We changed satellites during the transit from a satellite over the Pacific to a satellite over the Atlantic. This will provide telecommunications service for upcoming expeditions. This move was scheduled and took place with RigNet's assistance. After changing satellites we experienced occasional brief outages of internet service throughout the transit and expedition 334. Our antennas would occasionally track off to another satellite and would require us to manually reset the antenna.

Developer's Report

This document highlights changes in laboratory data acquisition and collection systems, and changes in the development work environment. Notable issues and changes are presented in-line.

Microbiology Lab

All equipment operated without any serious problems.
New parts are on order for one of the refridgerators according to the E.T.s

Chemistry Lab

X334 CRISP was a one-month cruise. We drilled at four sites, with no logging between sites, so very little time was available to complete analyses before cores from the next site showed up in the lab.

ASSISTANT LAB OFFICER
Lisa Crowder & Tim Bronk

Summary

Both Lisa & Tim sailed on the 30-day transit from Auckland, NZ. Expedition 334 was a 30-day expedition coming in & out of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. We returned to Puntarenas after a week of LWD to drop off tools. A total of 4 sites were drilled with a combination of APC, XCB & RCB drilling. We had one new tech, Sandra Hermann.

AMS/Inventory

The Upper Tween Storeroom cabinets, drawers and shelves were numbered and labeled. The Aisle/Rack/Bin location was added to all UTS Inventory Items in AMS. A location map is placed on the door for reference.
Physical count was performed in the Upper Tween Storeroom.
A new version of AMS came out on X334. No new problems noted yet.

Special projects

• Fire doors were removed from UT landing/bulk stores due to a new fire plan .
• During the transit, shelving was added to the core reefer, increasing work area for the curator. The blue Stanley-Vidmar cabinet that held batteries was removed from the stbd forward location (stored in core reefer currently).
• During the transit the -22 freezer was removed from the engineering van and installed in the core reefer. A 208 volt line was installed.
• Physical counts and organization of the Swage-lok hardware was performed, both in the chem. lab and for the ½" fittings in the UT shop.

Challenges encountered

• SampleMaster: Continuing to occasionally not print d-tube labels, most often when text is in any comment field. This is a know bug, going back many expeditions. A work-around is to upload& print the d-tube labels, then add any comments, then re-upload.
• Drainage in core splitting room: When using the core saw we often had water back-up into the main trough. The plumbing fixture that mounts directly above the floor was removed and several items were causing a blockage: dividers, split end-caps, large pieces of foam, etc. There was also about ¾" of sediment on the bottom of the pipe, but that is to be expected if sediment dries out in the plumbing. We have kept up drainage with plenty of water flowing through the sinks, but occasionally the plumbing will get backed up. The solution is to remove as much built-up muck from on top of the perforated s/s filter (at the bottom of the sinks) and spray a ton of water down the pipes. It might be a good idea to use a plumber's snake to clean out the lines, or blast a lot of high-pressure water down the pipes.
• We had to remove all d-tube boxes from the bulk stores towards the end of this expedition.
• From the time of last core on deck to arrival at port, we are looking at 17 hrs. Technical staff (and most likely the scientists) will have to remain on shift until release in port.
• At the 6PM shift-change we lose 3 technicians and gain one. We have many people that 'have' to work 6-6 days – the curator, the yeop & DeskLogic tech, and the photographer.

Physical Properties

Maxim Vasilyev, Zenon Mateo, Margaret Hastedt

Summary

The Physical Properties lab was busy for such a short expedition with 8 Physical Properties Scientists sailing.

SHIL

• On April 4, 2011, the users noted that the SHIL was dropping lines between 85 and 95 cm. Cursory inspection of previously run section halves show that the shortening became apparent 4 cores before detection (U1378B 20X) and has been progressively worsening (until U1378B 20X), but surprisingly around the same interval. A more detailed inspection indicated that the dropping of lines started in U1378B-3H. A computer reboot revealed 13 updates that needed to be installed. After a shutdown and restart (first since the start of the expedition), the problem went away. A chat with Trevor Cobine confirms that the updates may potentially be competing with CPU time that forces some lines to be dropped. The issue was explained to the scientists who have agreed to restart the computer at least every other day during their midnight crossover. However, after six hours, Maggie noticed the dropped lines again. And after installing 12 more Windows updates within 6 hours, and restarting the computer, almost all of the dropped lines went away. Because of the continuous scanning of cores, it was suggested that most of the re-scanning of cores U1378B-3H to 30X would be done back on shore.

• John Beck noted that in the raw TIFF image, some show a row of pixels that is dimmer than the adjacent rows (sections viewed horizontally), potentially implying that certain sensors in the camera's CCD array may be failing. A more thorough check-up is needed to establish this.

• Script to print section-half images in the 11x17 paper works well. Initially, printing was noted to take too long: about 3 minutes for the core color printer [and even longer for other normal printing through the copier]. MCS restarted printing web services. No issues have been flagged since. However, for this expedition, such prints were not often used.

SHMSL

• Replaced one halogen bulb and the rubber webbing for the integrating sphere.

• Initially experienced issues with the reflectance system not getting recognized by the computer/going offline immediately/not included in the config file. Solution: In the Measurement Editor, edit USB4000 and change it to online mode; restart the program (IMS).

• MUT "launcher" error was triggered several times, requiring the uploader to be shut down, either in the software (File>Exit), or RMB>Exit the red-blue-yellow button in the lower right the status bar, or in the Tasklist (Ctrl-Alt-Del). Open MUT not from the Quick Start Menu but rather from Start>All Programs>IODP>MegaUploadaTron5001.

• Empty (0Kb) files are constantly being generated by IMS and show up as unknown files that clutter MUT. Need to find the actual cause of this to prevent unnecessarily alarming the user or possible system error.

• The group wanted to set the measuring interval to 4 cm for faster scanning, which is needed for an expedition like this. However, it was observed that the instrument platform would move or get in contact with the split face every 2 cm but measure every other 4 cm. As such, the group decided to just measure every 2 cm because the same amount of time would be spent regardless of the measurement interval.

• Two sections (U1378B-40X-4 and 49X-4) had erroneous textIDs in all files generated for a run: a "3" was inserted at the beginning of the textID and the other textID was replaced with "21".  Files had to be manually edited to contain the correct textID before MUT could upload the files.

Gantry

• Sandra Herrmann reviewed a translation (German – English) of the FL2 hardware manual that was first established by Margaret Hastedt in 2004. It was sent back to the first translator and should be available at the TechDocs in the near future.

• The gantry PWC caliper would once again periodically "forget" how to move (no homing at initialization). Simply refreshing the Modbus from the gantry software menu worked sometimes, but occasionally you had to use the Exlar application to jar its memory. Possibly the calipers get stuck in the full-open position occasionally?

• The pocket penetrometer was used frequently this cruise. After transcribing from paper logs the files were initially uploaded to the LIMS via the spreadsheet uploader. Dwight Hornbacher is working on a more seamless uploader as of this writing that will avoid the tedious manual lookup of SHLF information via SQL query. See Developer's report for details.

• The Giesa vane shear also saw a lot of use. MegaUploadaTron (MUT) has been modified to process AVS files. The main Excel template has been slightly modified in the Sample ID section (see fig. 1 below). Do not change the locations of the cells shown in the figure as that is where MUT will be looking for its information. MUT will automatically pick the peak shear stress value from the recorded data.

!worddav07904099a927c8d3c4de6e260cfe9efc.png|height=300,width=510!Highlight this cell before scanning with barcode gun.
Fig. 1: new sample ID section for AVS Excel spreadsheet
Use the gantry barcode scanner in the indicated cell (I41) and it will fill in the SHLF info as well as the label ID for human-readable confirmation of your section (note: MUT is only interested in the SHLF id). Then add the offset, operator and rotation rate and vane ID if it differs from shown. The default penetration direction is X, but that can also be changed in the very rare circumstances that scientists might use whole-rounds for vane shear measurements. Don't forget to save the file as a .CSV (comma-delimited text) prior to uploading with MUT. You may need to point MUT at the appropriate data folder if it changes with your Giesa projects location. The newly modified master template is in the C:\Geolab folder and is called "template_AVS_master.xls".

Thermal Conductivity

• A small update to the software was installed at port call, which has the nice new feature of displaying the curve fit to the solutions immediately to the right of the usual results table. Simply click up and down in the table to display each graph.

• The Teka behaved well for most of this cruise with the occasional freeze-up requiring a restart of the program. Error messages in German have been sent off to Teka for analysis.

• Full-space needles were used until the sediment became too lithified for penetration without fracturing even when the long skinny drill was used. The half-space puck was then used for measurements similar to those done on hard-rocks without actually soaking things in seawater. A short piece of split liner was cut down one edge by ~2cm so that the puck would not bridge across the liner walls thereby not seating on the sample. This was placed within the insulated box. A small amount of weight (no press) was applied to maintain good contact with the sediment and the measurements were started. The method worked very well this cruise.

• An extensive number of measurements were taken on one of the two failed pucks left over from the Louisville expedition. The measurements were taken on the Macor standard under a variety of conditions to simulate the failure mode we have seen over the last two years and four failed pucks. The results will be sent to Teka for their analysis. Efforts are ongoing to understand exactly why the pucks keep failing with an eye towards possibly modifying our experimental methods and possibly changing how the pucks are manufactured to make them more durable.

MAD

• Pycnometer is now back up to full strength with 6 cells. See Developer/ET reports for details on modified wiring to get cells 1 and 6 to behave.

• We experienced the usual frustrating number of issues with the proper assignment of masses to samples, samples to container numbers, etc etc etc that drives particularly the developers crazy since they get to fix them all. Algie has written up a document that analyzes all the different ways to inject errors into this process that IODP can use to improve MADmax as well as back-end LIMS items (like container mass/numbering updating).

NGR

During Exp. 330 the NGR electronic cage was lowered. As a result repair of NaI or plastic detectors is possible only after complete disassembly of the system electronics and cage itself. With the current arrangement an outer shell will not go above neighboring shells.

• Suggested action: wait until actual repair will be necessary. Do not mess with system anymore.

Also, the NIM bins were not connected to the frame at all. Plastic strips did hold the power strip and fan tray, but not the NIM bins. NIM bins were sliding in a front-back direction for almost 1cm. High seas could potentially result in electronics even falling to the floor.

• Action: NIM bins were attached to the frame correctly.

ISEG power supply was not fixed to the frame.

• Action: attached.

Supporting rails under second NIM bin prevented change of the fan air filters.

• Action: Rail positions corrected.

After installation of new electronic frame the NaI detectors calibration has changed ~ 5 times more than any change during previous 2 years. 40% slope change comparatively to 8% maximum change during previous 2 years.

• Action: No action possible.

Some minor problems were identified in the updated NGR Core Analyzer software and were fixed by Dwight Hornbacher:

• Installed button to select/deselect automatic data reduction.
• "Track Utility" part - move in or move out was not possible on distances below 10 cm – fixed.
• Window for measurement time was made wider, so that 20000 seconds for background measurements could be seen properly.
• If measurements selected in position 1 or position 2 only – NGR Core Analyzer can't read background files – fixed.
• The new automatically running data reduction software was compared with the original stand-alone program – they work identically.

NGR Core Analyzer from time to time (1-3 times per shift) will give error: "Error communicating with the Galil controller via DMCWIN32.dll See error code descriptions in DMCWin32 Reference p16-7."

• Action: No special action was taken so far, just repeat scan after pressing "restart" button on the error message window.

WRMSL

• The major issue with the logger this cruise was the seeming inability of the PWL to give expected velocities in a large percentage of recovered cores. The PWL worked perfectly against its calibration standard, the water pusher core, and a play core from X329. However, the dry clays/silts we recovered (or worse, XCB cores) more often than not simply produced what was later proven to be liner velocities. The dry sediments or air gaps between XCB cores and the liner proper gave rise to the P-waves preferentially travelling through the only material that was solidly-coupled to the transducers: the plastic liner itself. Try measuring an empty liner with end caps to see for yourself. The P-wave signal "looks" like it is normal although somewhat noisy but the travel times are extremely long compared to a wet piston core etc. Thus velocities turn out to be very low: ~900 m/s vs. 1550 m/s for water. The matter needs discussion in the geophysics LWG to see how we might improve things.

Samples measured as of report deadline:
MAD: 1007
WRMSL: 992 sections
NGR: 953 sections
SHMSL: 1035 sections
Gantry/AVS: 60
Gantry/PWB & PWC: 101
Penetrometer: 62
SHIL: 1173
Thermcon runs: 263

Paleomagnetics Lab

Margaret Hastedt
Paleomagnetists: Xixi Zhao, Yoichi Usui

Summary:

Shallow water and relatively high recovery did not afford much time at all to be in the lab, unfortunately. However, after about a 6-month saga I think we have finally seen the end of the compressor/Haskris-related issues with the magnetometer. The failed bypass valve in the Haskris was replaced while the old compressor was still operating. The compressor was happier almost immediately now that it was getting sufficient cooling from the Haskris. IVC voltages rose to about 2 volts, up from the 1.8 volts observed during 330 and the transit. Two days later we installed the refurbished (essentially new) compressor that was drop-shipped to Auckland. The new compressor made a huge difference in the IVC voltages, which now hover at 2.4 volts. The old compressor will be shipped home for refurbishment at the end of X335 in Curacao. It will remain aboard for Superfast as a better-than-nothing spare. The magnetometer is now half-full as of this writing.

General info:

• The new D2000 (DTech) controller arrived in Costa Rica.
• Adsorbed changes have now shifted to March of every year instead of January.
• 3 new automatic cube holders for the JR-6A spinner were hand-carried to the ship.
• The laptop that came with the Agico spinner has the old Kappabridge software installed so that users can easily do bulk susceptibility if they wish. Don't forget to install the grey plastic cylinder if you are using SUFAM and the cup for bulk susceptibility measurements.

Problems Encountered:

• When the new D2000 controller was initially installed we immediately noticed that the amplifier clipped even at very modest fields. The ETs established that the new controller could only be tuned in the range of ~136-149 Hz, far too high for our old coil set which runs at ~116.6 Hz. A call and email from the vendor gave instructions for installing the correct resistor sets to get the tuning range appropriate for our coils. See ET report for all the gory details. We attempted to get the resonance frequency a couple of times but it is still throwing up demag errors occasionally. It should be checked again on Superfast.

The DC field aspect of the controller (for ARM acquisition) has also been tuned.

• We lost another run of Flexit data when someone failed to heed the placard and rebooted its computer. This re-emphasizes once again the weakness of the computer-synchronization requirement of these tools. A project for the Geophysics LWG might be to approach the Flexit programmer to synch the tools differently so that the program does not need to be running all the time when the tool is downhole.

Sample counts as of this writing:

SRM sections (all demags): 1062
SRM discrete: 475
JR-6A discrete: ~250
Kappabridge: not used
Flexit oriented cores: 16

CURATION

Lara Miles

Summary As of 4/8/2011

Samples: 16045 samples were taken on Expedition 334; of these 4103 were shipboard samples and 11942were personal samples. Core recovery was 1393.06 m

Shipments

CORE:
Core-There is a total of 210 boxes of core (105 archive, 105 working)
Frozen & Refrigerated Shipments-
At this time we roughly estimate ±6 boxes of frozen and, ±10 boxes refrigerated shipments will be sent from Puntarenas Costa Rica.
RESIDUES:
Residues- The residue distribution is as follows:
ICPTorres
MADCKim, Conin
PMAGUsui
TSGCR
TSBGCR
XRDGCR
SSGCR
PAL/MBIOGCR
RMSGCR

Thin Sections

4 thin section slides were made from thin section billets on Expedition 334. All thin sections will be sent to the GCR for inventory, before shipboard scientists can request them. The thin section inventory is attached in the same email as this report.

Smear Slides

The sedimentologists prepared and described 243 smear slides. The Smear Slide inventory is attached with this report. All smear slides will be shipped to the GCR.
RMS
12 Routine Microbiology Samples were taken at U1379B to be shipped Frozen to the GCR.

Core Flow Activity and Sampling

Core flow followed the same procedure as Exp 317.
Sample classes were held during LWD operations. This included splitting some of the 320 cores for scientists to practice taking samples. Mock sampling plans were made for each sampling team so as to practice typical sampling scenarios and follow a typical sample plan. This was met with mixed success but overall they were generally correct. The scientists that struggled with this exercise continued to show little improvement following direction or understating the concept of Sample Master as the cruise progressed.

Action Items

PSU WRNDs sent with cores, to be resupplied with cold packs and sent to Penn State U.
In the event that Exp 335 must core CRISP sites there are several requests for the contingency sites (But I'm sure most 334 participants will be interested): Yoichi Usui-1061IODP, Gillian McCay –1043IODP (Please Contact her first), Steffen Kutterol1027IODP, Yuzuru Yamamoto-1026IODP, Xixi Zhao—1021IODP, Nicole Stroncik—1082IODP.

Computer Software

Latest Version of Sample Master: The latest version of Sample Master on the ship as of Expedition 334 is v2.1.1.6. The curatorial staff in the GCR needs to ensure that this is the version installed on all workstations in the repository.
A newer version is ready to be deployed by Algie and Fackler but they will not do so while coring operations are underway. I am testing the Fackler version on my computer in the "Open/Curation" Office.
The test RMS was added to the test lists in sample master. CLUS was used in the chemistry lab to indicate Cluster samples.

Problems encountered

Printing and Uploading in Sample Master (Same Problem)
"When entering and uploading samples for Shipboard analysis there was a constant problem with printing Samples would be entered and "print on upload" would be selected but an error window would come up that read there was nothing to print.
If "print on upload" did work it would not print all of the labels; typically it would leave out the first or second core. This problem was not consistent with which line or lines it left out of printing." (Same Problem encountered on Exp 330).
Importing from excel once again proved to be a challenge with the samples (All) not uploading the first time. Also even though I "tabbed" through to make the sample numbers appear they did not upload. I attempted to use "Parameter Search" to find these samples and put in the appropriate number but this caused sample master to crash several times even as I reduced the amount of data being recalled. A functioning and reliable parameter search should be a focus for the next tie-up period.

Storage/Curation Space

The sample table design and lack of storage space was a significant issue on this cruise.
The placement of the computer monitor and keyboard make sample entry uncomfortable and inefficient. There is also inadequate legroom for the person entering information into sample master.
The bin system for holding supplies and personal samples is inhibiting and inadequate for the number of requests, amount of samples and supplies. There are lots of voids and I would like to see the bin storage redesigned to use all available space. This could include constructing a system similar to what is available at the repository.
It is also very difficult to reach/ place anything in the storage cabinet between the wall and the sample table. In a redesign this space should become accessible.
It is also inconvenient to have the core printer located underneath the sample entry station as it is used by the whole core lab and not (if rarely) by someone who is sampling. Perhaps switching the laser printer and the zebra printer could be an option. The sink at the end of the sample table is also unnecessary as there is another larger sink at the top of the sample table. If this sink could be taken out and the bag sealer/foam cutting station could be put there (instead of by the Archive Racks) would be a great improvement on making the sample table more functional.
During the transit shelves were put in the Refer Hold for Curation purposes. This was a great improvement and will come in handy for when D-Tube boxes fill the hold on the next round of cruises. I utilized this space by placing the large stackable blue sample bins for scientists who did not get enough regular samples to warrant starting a p-box. I also placed p-boxes that were in the process of being filled there. As the p-boxes filled up I was able to close them and stack them on the empty table next to the shelves. Again until the table is cleared of D-tube boxes this system will not work and hence should be moved at the earliest convenience

Core Description

Zenon Mateo and Sandra Herrmann

Summary

Expedition 334 is the first expedition with a strong structural geology contingent during this Phase II of IODP. As such, we learned a lot about the workflow, data gathering techniques and calculation and will serve as baseline information to further develop the ability of DESCINFO and DESClogik to handle structural geology data. The MMT is also modeled in Solidworks© for further development and use in future structural geology expeditions.
Drilling at shallow water depths and the short nature of this expedition did not give enough time for smear slides to be described on board. Also, the science party did not describe the remaining segments of the two cores of 334-U1379B, which was heavily sampled for microbiology. A short summary is however included in the initial reports. Some core catchers, especially those that are highly disturbed by drilling and extrusion, were apparently also not described and scanned in the SHMSL. As of the writing of this report, there are about 1735 DESC analysis in the database and 20 microscope images.

Details

1. DESClogik-Tabular: Need a complimentary feature to bulk edit dynamic columns, just like how they are created. Editing involves changing the value entry component and the custom list. Case scenario: user wants to use an existing template for micropaleontology but would like to change from a pc_abundance_name_mode to pc_abundance_percent_mode. The practical way is to search for the original excel list from the DESC technician or micro paleontologist in the previous expedition and create an excel bulk dynamic column template. Otherwise, start from scratch in re-building the list from the Value List Manager: copy values and paste to excel, delete unwanted rows, format bulk editor.
2. DESClogik-Tabular: Values are for some time, not always verified against the value list: 334_Structure_U1379, "carbonate" can be entered under structure_name column without being flagged with a red cell outline. The red cell border only appears some times.
3. DESClogik-Tabular: Data input across consecutive sections works almost all the time. A few cases where it did not work and the excel backups show that the data was entered properly are: U1378B-30X. In some cases (i.e., 3H, 18X, 29X), the section number is not updated causing duplication with the previous section number. Such issues are often easily fixed using the offset values as a guide and by using either the workspace or excel as a back up as a reference.
4. DESClogik-Tabular: When entering new data alongside existing/uploaded data, make it default to having the same rowGroup so that they will not create multiple rows the next time they are downloaded.
5. DESClogik-Tabular: Two instances when upload of all tabs data appear stalled (counting not progressing, but green status bar is refreshing). Second instance was observed and noted that two instances of DESClogik with different users logged in were open. Users were reminded to re-log-in with their own account before the start of a shift. Solution: Abort upload, open excel backup file, re-download data and find out which data was not uploaded, re-upload.
6. DESClogik-Tabular: When downloading core data that overlaps with other cores, display a message that states the fact: "This core has more than 100% recovery and therefore overlaps with adjacent cores; data from overlapping sections will also be displayed." Alternatively, a "filter by sample" should be implemented in order to download only those data related to the sample queried.

7. DESClogik-General: Synoptic check on the typical time needed to open DESClogik on several workstations (15 March 2011, pre-expedition).

   PC	Open DL- log in- show Tabular	Open template
   PC51553	1:14	1:38
   DESC51462	0:36	0.56
   PC51540	1:41	2:04
   PC51539	1:43	2:08

8. DESClogik-Management: When a global template is edited by cloning a dynamic column, the new dynamic column does not point to the original (global) custom list (which was made by another user). Current user has to manually point the newly cloned column to the proper custom list and then save template as own.
9. DESClogik-Management: One instance of value replacement for lithology_principal_name from ash and tuff to tephra. Done by staff via LIMS2excel to extract the core number where such values occur and use DESClogik to replace them (download, edit, upload). In the database, some results were replaced manually via the DESClogik download-edit-upload process and others were replaced globally by the developer. Of course, dynamic columns in templates were adjusted accordingly.
10. LIMS2Excel-Reporting: Note on future use (in conjunction with LIMS2Excel and Strater): in LIMS2 Excel, always select CORE, SECT, and SHLF for samples to download data from and display in the graphical report. This is in keeping with allowing users to log macroscopic observations on any of those samples mentioned and to make sure that all macroscopic data are downloaded.
11. Hole Summary Lithology: In creating the hole summary figure, the detailed lithologic data from the section descriptions appear too cluttered, very discontinuous and impractical. For the hole summary scale, there are two options that can be followed: (a) generalize the lithology for each stratigraphic unit (i.e., 1 unit = 1 lithology and patter). (b) a middle-ground that is to use the lithology distribution by advancement track in LIMSpeak by exporting the data and create a new column to display the most abundant lithology per core (a second column has to be inserted to contain the hole number, i.e., U1379C). This file can then be plotted in Strater, using the same lithologic scheme as that used in the core-scale graphic reports or VCDs.
12. LIMS2Excel: LIMS2Excel will have to learn how to use the "ID" components to disambiguate entries that occur in exactly the same interval. At present, LIMS2excel combines the values from exactly the same interval into once cell. Workaround: staff had to edit one of the offsets and add 0.001cm
13. Webservices: With two weeks worth of data (about a kilometer of cored interval), the entire system slowed down considerably that it took a long time for applications to open (SampleMaster, DESlogik, LIMSpeak, etc.). The web services/Tomcat had to be re-started. Suggests for a more proactive approach to prevent build up of user frustration and unnecessary comments by implementing a scheduled "bounce" of the web services/Tomcat, such as during the midnight crossover.

Changes to DESCINFO

Several changes were made in the Structural concept of DESCINFO in order to accommodate the structural parameters needed for this expedition. This is summarized below in an email from David Fackler:
The following parameters were decommissioned:

• they will no longer be visible in the DESCLogik value editor
• they will cause an error if still in use in templates being carried forward

• decommissioning does NOT affect the operation of WTR, L2E or DESClogik for retrieving legacy data from LIMS
  s_relative_strike1
  s_relative_strike2
  s_relative_dip_azimuth1 [replaced by s_app_dip_dir1]
  s_relative_dip_azimuth2 [replaced by s_app_dip_dir2]
  s_relative_dip_angle1 [replaced by s_app_dip_angle1]
  s_relative_dip_angle2 [replaced by s_app_dip_angle2]
  The following parameters were added. Definitions can be found in an excel file authored by Peter Blum and in the DESClogik value list manager.
  s_app_dip_dir_method2
  s_app_dip_angle_method2
  s_dip_dir_crf
  s_dip_angle_crf
  s_strike_crf
  s_trend_crf
  s_plunge_crf
  s_dip_dir_grf
  s_dip_angle_grf
  s_strike_grf
  s_trend_grf
  s_plunge_grf
  
  

  Equations for calculating orientation of planar features

  
  The following are the equations for re-orienting structural parameters to core and geomagnetic/geographic reference frames. For actual reference, there is an excel sheet from where these equations are copied from and are also used by structural geologists in X334. For the theoretical aspect and accompanying figures, please refer to methods section of this expedition.
  These in formations are placed in this report to serve as a guide for future development of DESClogik and the LIMS database, especially in the structural geology domain. The current plan is to provide the ability to implement macros for calculating various parameters and eventually interface with data from other analysis such as PMAG, which is needed for orientation to the geomagnetic/geographic reference frame.
  4.1 Variables
  Raw data
  J - first apparent dip direction taken from core split/cut face
  K - first apparent dip angle taken from core split face
  L - second apparent dip direction, usually taken perpendicular from core split/cut face
  M - second apparent dip angle, usually taken perpendicular from core split/cut face
  Plane normal orientation
  P - plane-normal orientation (hole reference frame) intermediate variable 1
  Q - plane-normal orientation (hole reference frame) intermediate variable 2
  R - plane-normal orientation (hole reference frame) intermediate variable 3
  S - plane-normal orientation (hole reference frame) azimuth (dip direction?)
  T - plane-normal orientation (hole reference frame) dip angle
  Plane orientation (right-hand rule)
  U - RHR dip direction
  V - RHR strike
  W - RHR dip (also equivalent to corrected dip)
  P-MAG data
  D - declination
  I - inclination
  Corrected orientation (right-hand rule)
  dip direction
  strike
  dip
  Other
  ¿¿¿ PI() - excel code for pi = 3.14159265358979
  4.2 Equations
  4.1.1 Plane normal orientation
  P = COS(¿¿/180)*SIN(¿¿/180)(SIN(¿¿/180))-(COS(¿¿/180)*SIN(¿¿/180))(SIN(¿¿/180))
  Q = (SIN(¿¿/180))(COS(¿¿/180)*COS(¿¿/180))-(SIN(¿¿/180))(COS(¿¿/180)*COS(¿¿/180))
  R = (COS(¿¿/180)*COS(¿¿/180))(COS(¿¿/180)SIN(¿¿/180))-(COS(¿¿/180)*SIN(¿¿/180))(COS(¿¿/180)COS(¿¿/180))
  S = IF(P=0,
  IF(Q>=0,90,270),
  IF(P>0,
  IF(Q>=0,
  ATAN(Q/P)*180/¿,
  ATAN(Q/P)*180/¿+ 360),
  ATAN(Q/P)*180/¿+180))
  Note on format:
  IF . . .
  then
  else
  T = ASIN(R/SQRT(P^2+Q^2+R^2))*180/¿
  Plane orientation (right-hand rule)
  U = IF(R<0,S3,IF(S+180>=360,S-180,S+180))
  V = IF(U-90<0,U+270,U-90)
  W = IF(R<0,90+T,90-T)
  Corrected orientation (right-hand rule)
  dip direction =
  IF(I>=0,
  IF(U>=D,
  U-D,
  U-D+360),
  IF( (U-D-180)<0,
  IF(U-D+180<0,
  -D+540,
  U-D+180),
  U-D-180))
  IF(INCLINATION>=0,
  IF(U>=D,
  U-D,
  U-D+360),
  IF( (U-D-180)<0,
  IF(U-D+180<0,
  -D+540,
  U-D+180),
  U-D-180))
  strike = IF(dip dir-90<0,dip dir+270,dip dir-90)
  dip =W
  
  4.3 Equations for calculating orientation of linear features
  4.3.1 Variables
  Raw data
  N - apparent rake
  O - apparent trend or reference (in degrees)
  [Other variables listed under the previous section on planar features]
  Line normal orientation (in normal core reference frame)
  X - csf rake (need definition)
  Y - striation rake
  Z - line normal orientation (hole reference frame) intermediate variable 1
  AA - line normal orientation (hole reference frame) intermediate variable 2
  AB - line normal orientation (hole reference frame) intermediate variable 3
  AC - trend
  AD - plunge
  Corrected striation orientation
  rake
  trend
  plunge
  4.3.2 Equations
  Line normal orientation (in normal core reference frame)
  X = IF(-Q<0,
  180-ACOS(SIN((U-90)*¿¿/180)*R/SQRT(Q^2+R^2))*180/¿,
  ACOS(SIN((U-90)*¿¿/180)*R/SQRT(Q^2+R^2))*180/¿)
  Y = IF(O=90,
  IF(X-N<0,
  X-N+180,
  X-N),
  IF(X+N>180,
  X+N-180,
  X+N))
  Z = COS(Y*¿/180)
  AA = SIN(Y*¿/180)COS(W¿/180)
  AB = SIN(Y*¿/180)SIN(W¿/180)
  AC =IF (IF(Z=0,
  IF(AA>=0,90,270),
  IF(Z>0,
  IF(AA>=0,
  ATAN(AA/Z)*180/¿,
  ATAN(AA/Z)*180/¿+360),
  ATAN(AA/Z)*180/¿+180))-(360-V)<0,
  IF(Z=0,
  IF(AA>=0,90,270),
  IF(Z>0,
  IF(AA>=0,
  ATAN(AA/Z)*180/¿¿
  ATAN(AA/Z)*180/¿+360),
  ATAN(AA/Z)*180/¿+180))+V,
  IF(Z=0,
  IF(AA>=0,90,270),
  IF(Z>0,
  IF(AA>=0,
  ATAN(AA/Z)*180/¿,
  ATAN(AA/Z)*180/¿+360),
  ATAN(AA/Z)*180/¿+180))-(360-V))
  AD =ASIN(AB/SQRT(Z^2+AA^2+AB^2))*180/¿
  Corrected striation orientation
  rake = Y
  trend = IF(AI>=0,
  IF(AC>=AH,
  AC-AH,
  AC-AH+360),
  IF((AC-AH-180)<0,
  IF(AC-AH+180<0,
  AC-AH+540,
  AC-AH+180),
  AC-AH-180))
  plunge = AD
  
  
  

  MMT: tool for rapid structural measurements

  
  The increasing use of the MMT in the previous (324, 329 and 330) and upcoming expeditions has prompted the construction of at least 3 to 5 more. Communications with M. Meschede of Germany, who had the tool designed and built for Leg 170, gave written permission for re-production, with proper acknowledgement in reports.
  However, a few aspects of the design have to be improved slightly, especially the connection for the pin and pivot point between the swiveling plane and the protractor. To facilitate this re-design and construction, a model was created in Solidworks© and drawings of the original parts were sent to the beach for consideration. The SW files will be sent to the beach for archiving. Several staff members have contributed some ideas to improve the tool design and will be incorporated in subsequent version after this expedition. An isometric view of the original model is shown below:
  

  XRD Lab

  Eric Jackson

  Summary

  All equipment operated without any serious problems.
  Expedition analyses:
  Total XRD: 119 and still counting
  Total ICP: 108 and still counting processed not analyzed

  Equipment

  Bruker D4 Diffractometer:
• No problems were encountered with the diffractometer. No reoccurrence of the Difftrac Commander aborting at end of sample scan occurred during 334.
• The Bruker camera has been somehow removed completely and the MCS's have been notified. Remember the problem occurred when MCS Grant Banta upgraded the system from XP to Windows 7. When Windows 7 was reinstalled the camera software never was included. A temporary fix came with the addition of external camera software but now neither one are there. MCS Mike Hodge was the one who originally installed the Bruker camera software while the D4 was at College Station.
• The new sample holders prepared at College Station are less than ideal and would be useful to have them (some) polished.

ICP Bead Maker:

• Not used but over a 100 samples were prepped and ground, mostly by mortar and pestle but some with tungsten carbide grinding vessels.

LOI Furnace:

• A low temperature of 400°C was used routinely so no issues with max temperatures.
• The Furnace has been fitted with a transformer for the upcoming Expedition 335 and a new fan is on order by the ET's. A new 500a transformer has also been ordered that will be able to sustain temperatures in excess of 1100°C.

Mettler Toledo Balance system:

• The balance ran fine but was cannibalized for the Chemistry lab due to theirs being broken. Currently the XRD balance does not function.

Haskris:

• Functioned without issue.

Sample Preparation

Hundreds of samples were submitted for XRD analysis but due to extensive time in the core lab not all samples were able to be prepared. Even though the Expedition left Puntarenas on the 16^th of March, the first samples arrived in the XRD lab on the 27^th of March, leaving only 17 days to process what would be a record amount processed on any IODP or ODP expedition. Unfortunately, the communication didn't make it all the way to the sampling table and many samples were double sampled as the chemistry lab made additional sample splits of CARB, TOC, ICP, and XRD from the IW's. This was undoubtedly expected as we crammed almost 2 months of coring into 17 days (almost 2K recovered).
With all the scheduled tie-ups I would like to improve the lab flow between XRD and Sample Prep and have some layout ideas I would like to discuss with B. Mills. Basically a doorway entry from XRD (clean room) to the sink area of Thin section lab with a wall between the two while Thin Section could occupy the remaining area all the way to the aft bulkhead resulting in an expansion of available lab space for the Thin section lab as well as more counter space. This would accomplish: 1. Joining and isolating the labs requiring less door opening and travel to and from sample prep to the D4. Another option is to forget the clean room altogether and put in a sink in the XRD lab to be able to perform some prep work as well.
The air quality was noticeably improved in the sample prep lab with the almost nil use of silica powders for the Thin Section lab. The usual film left from airborne silica powder was not present.

ICP LOI Issues

• I recommended some additions to the LOI error that can be reduced and have included the message sent to Joerg Geldmacher:

Howdy all, just a couple of additional notes in regard to L.O.I. and the mettler balance to decrease error.  When extracting from the prepared sample it is important that the powder is mixed prior to weighing to preserve homogenization.  There tends to be settling and sticking to the sides of the container depending on the size of the minerals and the length of time that passes between preparation and weighing.  Additionally, while a count of 1000 is a safe method for a blanket number it should be noted that the balance count should be determined by the current sea state and direct observation prior to weighing.  Multiple swells often contribute to odd or infrequent combination swells even when small, that may or may not be included in a 1000 count.  More often than not I have used a 500 count and it usually starts to be reliably accurate between 3-400 counts

Microscopy Lab, Paleontology Prep Lab

Zenon Mateo and Sandra Herrmann

Configuration

The microscopes were configured as per the request of the users. The microscope usage was light with a setup for microfossils (Axioskope, Objectives: 40 phase contrast, 63x and 100x oil), a binocular for foraminifera analyses, a Axioskope for sedimentological investigations and a fluorescence microscope for geomicrobiology. The mercury arc lamp at the microbiology microscope was replaced before the first core was on deck.

Instruments

Received and added the following microscope replacement and supplemental parts into the inventory (using Microscope Master):

¹ May require adaptor to fit Axioskop. Needed especially for Axiophot for epifluorescence.
² Missing the actual clamp for the glass slide (silver)

Issues

1. At the beginning of the expedition, the Axiophot was set up for nannofossil observations. The scientist requested a phase contrast setting. The available condensers for this setting are not state of the art and show do require adjustments. A new condenser for this issue might be a good solution?
2. During the expedition the slide label printer started to roll up the labels inside, when the last label was cut of right at the machine. One should make sure to press the feed button twice and leave these spare labels hanging out, before removing the actual prints.
3. Knob on the Axiophot (usually used by paleontologists) is loose and will be fixed soon.
4. Swift Model F electronic counters were used by both micropaleontologists. At the beginning, some of the keys would not work or trigger a count; key sensor had to be cleaned by the ET.
5. Brought back Axioskop and cooresponding computer to the smear slide station, forward of the core lab in the Smear Slide station.
6. Need Calgon for dispersing samples.

Additional equipment development

(together with Garrick van Rensburg, Clayton Furman)
Set-up:
A)B)






C)

A) Sketch of the spraying set-up. A distance of 30-35 cm between gun and target was found to be optimal with respect to particle distribution. B) Close-up of the spraying device that works when connected to an air pressure connection. C) Close-up of the target holder. Cover slides and SEM stubs can be mounted on the target holder, SEM stubs with a small strip of double sided tape.

A)B)









C)D)










Comparison of smear and spray slide. A) Sprayed sample, bright field image. B) Sprayed sample, crossed nicols. C) Smeared sample, bright field image. D) Smeared sample, crossed nicols.
The sprayed slide shows the variation of different sample densities (from left to right on the slide). The smeared slide illustrates the usual distribution of particles in thicker and thinner lines over the entire slide.
Additional equipment:

• Syringe (SUN-Sri, No. 400029, JR inventory no.: CM0580),
• Needle (BD 21G2, JR inventory no.: LS1253),
• Ethanol,
• Glass slides/cover glass, norland glue.
  Method:
• Sediment (approximately 7-8 mg) is suspended in 8-10 ml ethanol,
• Short ultra-sonic treatment might help to loosen coagulation of particles,
• The suspension can then be sprayed onto a cover slip and/or glass slide by inserting the syringe into the spraying device and opening the pressure air,
• Dry the cover slip on a heating plate and mount it on a microscope slide (LM) or an aluminum stub (SEM).
  Advantages:
• Fast method to prepare evenly distributed nanno-slides,
• Improves overview of actual assemblage (small versus large specimens ¿ usually sorting bias with smear slides).
  

  Other Projects

• Sandra Herrmann created a list of additional equipment useful for the paleo lab and the image analysis of thin sections and microfossils. The projects will be submitted to the LWG geology in the near future.
  
  

  DOWNHOLE MEASUREMENT LAB

  Dean Ferrell, Garrick Van Rensburg & Randy Gjesvold
  Site 1379C
  We deployed six APCT3 temperature tool runs at hole 1379C. The temperature gradient was found to be 40mK/meter. The data from core 10 was very noisy, making it impossible to extrapolate a good insitu temperature. The driller did not open the passive heave compensator for this run or previous runs. The compensator was opened for cores 12 through 16. It may be good practice to always open the compensator after firing the APCT3 temperature tool.
  
  Hole 1379C Temperature Data

  Core	Depth	Temperature
  4	30.2	15.86
  7	49.1	16.47
  10		Bad data
  12	73.7	17.29
  13	78.78	17.75
  16	90.2	18.28

  
  Hole 1378B
  We deployed four APCT3 temperature tool runs in hole 1378B. All temperature runs returned good data. A 5^th run was scheduled for core 17; however stiff formation characteristics force a change to RCB coring on that core. Temperature gradient was found to be 51mK/meter.
  Hole 1378B Temperature Data

  Core	Depth	Temp
  4	33.8	9.94
  7	62.3	11.25
  10	89.6	12.78
  13	109.7	13.8

  
  No SET or SETP tools were run. The science party did not want to utilize the available time for dedicated temperature tool runs required for the SET/SETP with coring at a high priority.
  Other DHML Activity
  We reorganized the tool storage space beneath the port workbench in the DHML, to allow storage of two SET tools and two SETP tools. The parts for the temporary core storage rack were moved to the hold to allow for this space and other tool/ parts storage.
  Randy and Garrick were instructed on the assembly process for the modified SETP tools.
  
  
  
  

  Engineering Report

  Dean Ferrell
  
  

  Rig Instrumentation System (RIS)

  
  

  RigWatch Loss of Configuration

  At the beginning of expedition 334, I found that the RigWatch master and drillers PC had been powered off at some point during the previous expedition or transit. When RigWatch was started on the master, the live data screen displayed only blank boxes, with no variables. Also, there was no communication with the NI cRio data acquisition device in subsea. Upon further inspection, I found that much of the configuration data was missing in RigWatch. This included the IP addresses for the master and some remote stations plus all of the variable setups such as formulas, etc. I replaced all the setup files on the master PC, with a backup setup file from the shipboard network-engineering folder with no change in the problem. At this point, Mike Meiring was able to remote connect to Krakatoa and upload a setup file he had on shore. This fixed the problem.
  

  Master IP Issue

  The Operations Engineer computer had an issue, going back many expeditions, regarding loss of RigWatch setup configuration. Specifically the IP addresses for the master and remote pc would defaults to incorrect values upon restart. In addition, the last well would default to "Expedition 320", no matter if new setup files were saved. Also on start up, an error message would display, stating that the time database was out of range and instructing the user to check the global.ini file.
  I did a search of all files on the computer that contained the text for the incorrect default IP address. I found this in the RW.ini file. Also in this file was an entry for last database, which pointed to "Expedition 320". I attempted to edit these entries manual, but was unable to save the files. I found that I did not have the rights necessary to delete old job or delete setup files. IT personal changed the files permissions to allow for write access. After changing these permissions, RigWatch maintains the correct saved parameters. There may be other remote computers with similar issues.
  

  LDEO Logging While Drilling Interaction

  As requested, I set up the WITS stream to send data to the LDEO logging while drilling system. WITS data was directed from the RigWatch master computer to COM6 on remote computer 6 inside the telemetry lab. LDEO computers accepted this data for display, but were not setup to save incoming WITS data. Upon request, I converted these same data from the native RigWatch database to ASCII files for use by LDEO.
  Though I was told we would receive LWD data into our RIS and though RigWatch was setup to receive a similar number of data variables from LDEO LWD equipment, Schlumberger engineers said they were unable to send that data. I recall in previous expeditions being able to receive WITS data from LDEO/Schlumberger.
  
  

  New License Keys

  A couple of remotes, including the operations superintendant's desktop computer, showed out of date RigWatch keys. All but one had current keys listed in a spreadsheet in the engineering folder on the ship network. I re-entered these keys and the remotes worked properly. The operations computer key had to be renewed through CanRig. It is now operating properly.
  

  XBob Issues

  About two weeks into EXP334 the XBob program stalled. It was not receiving any data from the Veeder-Root. I believe it was not polling the Veeder-Root meter as well, but I am not 100% certain. Closing and restarting the XBob solved the problem. A second occurrence of the XBob lock up was reported at about 02:35 on 30 March. Closing and restarting the XBob solved the problem. These occurrences seemed to become more frequent but on a seemingly random basis. Always, restarting XBob fixes the problem It seems at least once during a day the XBob stalls. The stall can be detected by watching the rig floor monitor. Under normal XBob operation, even if the core line is not moving, the core line depth indication will flicker every few seconds. When XBob stalls the flicker stops and a constant depth indication is seen. To restart XBob, you must go into device configuration in RigWatch and release COM7 from the Veer-Root Simple Listener by selecting com port "none" After restarting XBob, RigWatch can be returned to normal operation on COM7.
  I have asked Algie Morgan, the applications developer, to look into the bugs in XBob that are causing this lock up. I have found two items that might be noted: 1) Once XBob is started clicking "start" again will cause a fatal error 2) If you click the XBob stop button, you cannot re-start XBob until the COM7 is released by RigWatch.
  

  Load Pins

  The small c-cell lithium batteries were changed in the load pin transmitters, as well as the larger lead acid batteries that power the load cells. The output number of one of the transmitters appeared to be very high at 499 Klbs. At first it was thought that the transmitter had lost its configuration data. Before we could get setup to check the configuration with a laptop, the transmitter data appeared to fix itself. Late in the expedition the port load pin began reading near 499 Klbs again; however drilling activity prevented us from troubleshooting further.
  Most of the time the starboard load pin reading is very near the Martin-Decker hook load indication. On occasion, the starboard load pin data jumps up to about 100Klbs higher for several seconds, before returning to near the Martin-Decker reading. I am not sure if this is a malfunction or a brief spike in actual inertial load that is manifested at a longer duration due to slow sampling rate.
  

  RIS Hard Drive Failure

  The RIS master computer server, Krakatoa, suffered a hard drive failure near mid-expedition. The server has a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) system. The bad drive was replaced, and Krakatoa's drive array was returned to normal operation. The RIS suffered no downtime and also no data was lost.
  

  RIS Training

  The ETs were very busy for much of the expedition with lab stack and catwalk jobs, making it difficult to train them on maintaining RigWatch and the Rig Instrumentation System. However, the ETs were trained on the basic tasks of RigWatch, including use of Remote Desktop to connect with the RIS master, starting and stopping jobs, archiving data after job completion, starting and restarting XBob, setup of blocks/depth measurements, resetting blocks after slipped cable, common problems, solutions and troubleshooting ideas. I created simplified step by step procedures for starting a new job and for re-starting the XBob application. They have both been supplied with the latest RigWatch user manual with specific instruction for the IODP/JR system along with the link to wiring diagrams, device manuals, configuration data and all RIS information stored on the ship network at "T:\operations\2-Engineering\RIS_RigWatch\"
  Both ETs were allowed to start new test jobs during the short transit periods and Randy Gjesvold started a new job successfully at site U1381A. Though I would have hoped for more hands on practice with the RIS system, I believe they have all the information necessary to take over the day to day operation of the RIS.
  

  SETP

  I setup one tool and tested data communication and data collection. I discussed with both ETs the method for assembling the tool and hope to assemble the second tool in the next several days with the ETs if time allows. No SET or SETP tools were deployed during the expedition due time constraints and the higher priority of coring.
  We rearranged DHML racks for storage of two SET and two SETP and removed the disassembled core overflow rack that had been stored inside the DHML tool racks. Further information on DHML activities can be found in the DHML Lab Report.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Electronic Technicians Report

  Garrick Van Rensburg & Randy Gjesvold
  

  Summary

  This was a Transit and Logging While Drilling leg.

  Special Projects/Problems

  ET Shop

  ET Shop computer had several problems with a Virus. Video Accelerator card with noisy fan replaced. Updated the Portable Power Tools Registry.
  

  DOE Van

  Removed 220V transformer used to power the Carver Press on EXP 334.
  

  Downhole MeasurmentsLab

  Dynex- 6' Mini-to-RCA Stereo Audio Cable disappeared. This was replaced. Broke out and tested APCT-3 and SET Tools. New APCT-3 electronics package from the beach would not function properly. It was missing the calibration files. These were found on the ops office computer and installed. Received and stored two SET-P Tools. Received 5 lithium batteries for the SET tools, 4 U10019 batteries for Rig Watch and 4 APCT-3 wrenches. Conducted APCT-3 measurements on Hole U1379 C Cores 4,7,10, 13 and 16. On core 10 received bad data.

  Rig Watch

  WKDC12-20ND battery from rig floor was replaced with a freshly charged deep cycle battery. The one that was removed was down to 5 VDC. 3 Volt Lithium Manganese Dioxide C Cell batteries were installed in Omega transceivers. Part Number U10019. Battery information was added to Transocean's battery inventory list.
  

  Paleo Prep Lab

  Vent hood sash doesn't operate correctly. One of the counter weights has come loose. This was re strung.

  Core Lab

  Core Description
  Replaced missing isoduct near aft sampling table.
  Modified aft sampling table so the slide bar with the monitors on it would run across the table like the others.
  Replaced numerous ceiling tiles in the core lab.
  
  Cryo-Magnetometer.
  Compressor tripping offline due to a regulated power failure. Re-set the Compressor and brought it back online. Continued to trip after about 5 minutes. Put several fans on it to remove the excess heat. Checked the Haskris flow. Found there was no cooling water going out of the Haskris to the compressor. It has been determined that the regulator valve has failed. No replacement is available so a pair of Channel Lock pliers was applied to the return side type tubing to force it to flow. New valve is on order. This was received during the Costa Rica port call. It was installed on March 18. Significantly dropped the operating temperature on the compressor. Replaced the compressor with a new unit on March 21 2011. March 27 started getting significant spikes. Contacted the beach to get information on how to correctly tune the coils with the new degaussing equipment.

  Pycnometer

  Rebuilt Pycnometer cell # 6 was installed. This caused problems with the circuit cards in the bottom. These had to be moved slightly and minor damage repaired. The cell was running in reverse to the others so the wiring was reversed to accommodate the computer program. Began having issues with cell 1 on 10 March. Went through the machine and checked the circuit cards and wiring to ensure they were working properly.
  

  NGR

  Secured electronics in the overhead rack. Moved Galil controller to a more secure location. Moved two supports on the bottom of the electronics so the technician had access to change out filters on the cooling fans. Instruments were mounted to the aluminum grid to secure for sea.Chemistry Lab
  

  Fast Track

  Removed inboard section to facilitate the installation of a 3^rd party instrument.
  

  Thermcon

  Beach requested information and resistance measurements on the pucks.
  

  Laser Engraver

  Installed a vacuum to serve as a high velocity fan to remove burnt plastic smoke from Laser Engraver. The smoke removal is better but still needs to be addressed.
  
  

  Chem Lab

  Liquid N2 Generator was turned on and wouldn't run correctly. Checked flow from the N2 Generator and it was satisfactory. Found the regulator on the Liquid N2 Generator and been turned all of the way off. Re set and unit runs Satisfactory.
  Replaced AFA 500 Airflow sensor in Hood F2. Found 3 others had green blinking LED's. 3 were repaired. 1 couldn't be repaired.
  -80 C Freezer was defrosted. Door was re adjusted to fit properly on the door seal.
  Center Incubator in the Chem Lab cools but doesn't heat. Upon investigation found the circuit board to be faulty. Found 2 spare circuit boards in the Chem Lab. Waiting for other components to finish repair.
  Fisher Scientific Isotemp Programmable Muffle Furnace Model 750: The furnace was addressed for power issues and it was determined that the best way to get it up to over 1000 degrees C is to add a transformer to boost the power to 420 Volts. It is currently running on ships 408-volt system as runs 60 degrees C short of the required temperature. There are also issues with the recirculation fan. The one ordered to repair it was not suitable. It is in a high heat environment and must be of similar make and specification. There are no part numbers in the maintenance manual to use to order parts. Brad and Garrick have contacted Fisher Scientific to gather more information. Motor was cleaned, polished and a small amount of turbine oil was added to the slip bearings. It lasted for a few days and started grinding again. Added KOPER-KOAT lubricant because it is rated up to 1000 degrees C. Problem has not returned. New fan will arrive at the port call.
  Packard Hydrogen Generator Model 9400 ceased to function. Changed out the cell. Still wouldn't work. Added water to just below the needle diffuser in the bottom and it began to work again.
  Heat Sealer ceased to function. It would pull a suction but not heat up and seal the bag. Checked all of the air fittings inside and cleaned off the residue on the circuit boards. Used Isopropyl Alcohol to clean off the foam-sealing surface.
  Installed a Carver Press on the Upper Tween deck work bench for H3 sampling at the scientist's request. This was mounted to the wall for safety.
  

  X-Ray Prep Lab

  Rock Crusher. Oiled bearings, cleaned switches and adjusted tension on the belt.
  

  Rad Van

  Continuing issues with Cahn Microbalance. Unable to establish communication with the computer. Conducted an end-to-end check on the cable. It's satisfactory. Disassembled both ends and checked the connectors and the solder joints. These are good also.

  Core Reefer

  Installed a proper plug on the chest freezer from the DOE van to work in the Core Reefer. HBL420P12W.
  

  Gym

  Running Machine ceased operation. During investigation found a power control chip had failed on the motor control board. (IXGX120N60B-ND from Digikey) Two spares were ordered and a replacement board was ordered. (Cybex 530T Pro+ Manual Item # 58- P/N AX-16835) Should arrive at the first Costa Rica port call. A temporary fix was installed using an IXGX120N60B-ND chip from the X-Ray lab. Replacements for the X-Ray lab were ordered. Parts were received during port call. These were installed and promptly burned out. We are back to the jury rig for now. Ordered two new circuit boards from the beach. Mfr P/N AX-16835.

  Science Lounge

  Received 60" LED TV. A mounting system was manufactured and the TV and the mounting system were mounted on the aft end of the lounge. The TV was wired to the ships TV system. The audio goes to the TV only and not the receiver. The TV was wired into the main entertainment system so it can receive from all the devices and have high quality audio.
  

  Popcorn Hour C-200 Network Media Tank Status Report

  Problem Diagnosis
  The C-200 was reported to be malfunctioning in the science lounge / movie room by the previous crew; no further details were given. The device was removed from that room and tested on a TV on the core deck – it was found to be fully operational, although the only installed storage device was still the 80 GB 3.5" SATA HDD in the removable media bay that had been put there when the unit was initially brought on board.
  Upgrades Performed
  Clay Furman provided the use of his personal hard drives for temporary use in the C-200. The first of these drives is a 500 GB 2.5" SATA (Western Digital Scorpio Blue), which was installed in the C-200's internal 2.5" drive bay and named "ClaysShows". The drive was initially formatted by the C-200 as an "ext3" partition, but it became corrupted and caused the C-200 to fail to boot, so it was reformatted as NTFS. Then, a various collection of music videos and television shows in MP4 format were copied to that drive. The C-200 chassis must be opened in order to physically access this drive, so the intention is that it shall remain installed until 1) it fails, 2) IODP purchases a substitute, or 3) Clay Furman is no longer assigned to this project and collects it upon leaving.
  The second hard drive is a 2 TB 3.5" SATA (Western Digital Green), which is installed in the upper hard drive bay and named "ClaysMovies". It can be physically accessed without disassembling the C-200 chassis by means of a small hatch on the front of the unit. This drive is formatted as an NTFS partition and directly accessible from a Windows-based PC, using the appropriate interface, of course. This drive was preloaded with SD and HD movies in MP4 format. As this drive can be easily removed by anyone without taking the unit apart, it will remain installed only while the owner, Clay Furman, is on the ship and will be removed at the end of his cruises to be stored in a more secure location, although it will still be available upon request from the on-duty wireline engineer. It shall remain available for this purpose until 1) it fails, 2) IODP purchases a substitute, or 3) Clay Furman is no longer assigned to this project and collects it upon leaving.
  Current Status
  The Popcorn Hour C-200 belonging to IODP currently contains two hard drives belonging to Clay Furman (along with the digital contents thereof). It has been updated to the latest available firmware, released by the manufacturer on 10 DEC 2010 and installed on this unit on 13 FEB 2011. The entire system is working nominally. The 80 GB hard drive provided by MCS is still configured for use in the C-200, but is no longer physically mounted in it – that drive has been turned over to the IODP ET office and may be kept as backup or formatted and returned to MCS at ET discretion.
  

  U/W Lab

  Monitored the underway lab during transit.

  Fantail

  Assisted in Deploying the Magnetometer.

  Misc.

  Assisted with the stores load and material distribution. Manufactured two DB-9 cables for IT to communicate with the satellite system.
  
  

  PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST

  Laura Koehler
  

  Summary

  
  Overall expedition 334 seemed to be a busy and productive expedition. As a first time yeoperson, I encountered obvious learning curves and adjustments. However, members of the IODP technical staff, as well as participants of the science party, went out of their way to be helpful, patient and assist me in making the transition. Minor issues with equipment and software have occurred to date, as well as with the volume material and submission process. All issues were quickly addressed and/or solved. Approximately 188 visual core descriptions for Hole U1379C, (118), Hole U1378B (~60), Hole U1380A (~10), and Hole U1381 (to be determined as of 8-April) were created, proofed and corrected during the expedition. Due to the short transits and expedition, as well as additional constraints, volume material appeared to be reaching the publication office slower then anticipated. However, submissions began to quickly pick up following the first site. Given our current status and our transit to another site, I am anticipating a hectic remaining few days and the strong likely hood of new material and/or adjustments following the expedition.
  

  Equipment and software performance summary

  
  • The new version of Strater was applied to the publication office PC during expedition. The upgrade seems to have corrected an initial issue with the 334 Sediment template, specifically affecting the data in dip plot.
  • The publication office PC hard drive is beginning to reach maximum capacity and may have been responsible for some of the issues that occurred when creating VCDs during U1379C. e.g. programs quitting, loss of work, etc.
• It may be wise to consider providing the Publication office with a new PC capable of handling large graphics, etc. or at the very least increase its memory.
  • Currently the Publication office has two Mac computers and only one PC. The most frequent tasks involving Strater is limited to the one PC computer. A second PC, or the possibility of introducing Parallels onto the second Mac computer would certainly be beneficial.
  

  Database, entries and data upload or download related

  
  • Minor but typical issues with the entry of naming conventions for specific plots. Duplication and mis-spelled "repeats" were reported and resolved quickly in Desclogik.
  

  Volume material

  
  • Minor issues with the submission process and procedure of volume material.
  -Although the science party was made aware of the publication processes and procedures for submitting material, via email as well as verbally, there has still been some confusion. Of course this is somewhat understandable, given the time restraints and rushed "climate" of the expedition.
  • Establishing at the beginning of the expedition what constitutes an initial figure would be helpful for both the Science party and the Pubs specialist.
• Although some formatting is essential, and certainly doe able from a Pubs specialist standpoint, I felt some requests were unnecessary and could of easily been handled on shore following the expedition. Requests were completed as asked, but it may be something to keep in mind for future expeditions.
  

  General duties performed

  
  • Provided administrative, graphics and publication support throughout the expedition.
  • Distributed and completed necessary expedition paperwork. To include; wireless device, communication policy, photo release, manuscript and photo copyright forms.
  • Collaborated with the staff scientist to create server directories for the scientists, as well as creating the Publication directory for transfer of volume material to shore.
  • Communicated with shore based IODP travel administrator to verify hotel arrangements for end of expedition.
  • Worked with science party and Desclogik administrator to create accurate graphic data reports and specific figure requests as well as troubleshoot any issues as they arose.
  • Provided support for visual core descriptions, methods figure and core recovery summary figures.
  • Collected, organized and tracked final volume material submitted for the expedition.
  • Modified initial shore-created Strater templates and Methods figure during the start of the expedition to display specific plots requested by science party. Continue to update Methods figure as needed for the expedition.
  • Assisted and coordinated social events, including; birthdays, expedition t-shirt design contest and other special occasions.
  

  Additional duties

  
  • Assisted ship stores in the distribution of phone cards.
  • Communicated with shore staff regularly to provide updates and seek expertise.
  • Modified spreadsheets in order to display data in Strater, not necessary entered into Desklogic.
  Example: LWD data and Geochemistry data applied to spreadsheets in order to create requested "U1379C hole summary super figure."
  • Restocked Publication supply cabinet as needed, and provided science party with supplies per request.
  • Printed and collated expedition paperwork for next expedition. Printed and prepared mailbox labels for expedition 335.
  

  Suggestions

  
  • As sections of volume material were finalized and received in the Pubs office, directory folders were highlighted in green. This was very helpful to keep track of what was completed and what still remained. This strategy was applied to the Uservol directory for the staff scientist's benefit as well.
  • In hindsight, as a first time yeoperson/sailing Publication specialist, I feel it would have been most beneficial to arrive at least a day prior to the science party in order to prepare for the their arrival and establish my own bearings.
  • Additional time to work with Desklogic, Lims and Strater from "beginning" to "end"
• Although I had worked with all in some aspect prior, I think it would be very helpful for new Yeop's to prepare further by perhaps going through a previous expedition from "start" to "finish" on shore, as in a "simulated expedition."
  • Two hard copy sets of visual core descriptions, in addition to my own copy, seemed unnecessary for this particular expedition.
• There were only minor comments and suggestions directly applied to the VCD hard copies in the core lab due to the science party's workload and frequent updating. It also appeared that the VCD binder supplied to the Staff Scientist and Co-chief was not referred to as often. Although this may be due to the short expedition and tighter time constraints, one color copy version in the core lab and one black and white set for the Pubs office would have saved time and avoided any possibility of confusion.
  
  
  

  Thin Section Lab

  Tim Bronk
  

  Summary

  
  A total of 4 thin-sections were made. Three were vacuum-impregnated with epoxy.
  

  AMS/Inventory

  
  No changes.
  

  Special projects

  
  No special projects. A new cast-iron wheel for the LP-50 was sent out, but it was not installed. The old wheel will be sent back at the end of X334.
  I would like Sandy to either refurbish the three LP-50 jigs or send them back to shore at the end of X335.
  

  Problems encountered

  
  None.
  .
  

  IMAGING LAB

  John Beck
  Three items worth mentioning from this cruise all have to do with images from the core section scanner other than these two items it was a typical expedition as far as imaging is concerned.
  The first scanner item has to do with the scientists' impression of the quality of the images produced. This came to light when I was requested to shoot " close ups" of intervals that we would not generally consider close ups. Upon asking why they didn't use the scanned images produced the response was that the quality of the image was so bad. I explained that they were actually high quality images and that they just needed processed differently and viewed under better conditions. After proper processing and viewing they were very impressed with the images, so much so that I filled about a dozen requests for "close ups" from scanned images.
  Another issue that involved scanner images came about while working on the previous item. One of the first requested scanned image was for an entire section. This was opened in Photoshop, corrected, and saved as a TIFF file. When attempting to save a jpeg, the jpeg option was not available. To make a long story short it was discovered that if you attempt to save a section image with the computer generated identification at the top of the section it will not give you the option to save a jpeg file. Cropping out the label solves the problem.
  Another problem that was identified was dropping of lines from the scan. This started to occur between 85 and 86 centimeters. It was almost imperceptible at first but continued to get worse on subsequent scans. The program and the computer were shut down and restarted and this corrected the problem. This should be watched carefully because it begins very subtly and is very easily overlooked. About five boxes of core were re-scanned but not all could be redone due to continued need to scan new core. I believe that it was decided that the remainder would be done on shore. It should be noted that in checking these rescanned images it was apparent that in the eighteen hours that transpired between scans there was a marked change in the color of the core from green to brown.
  So far this cruise 1150 section scans have been checked. The typical mistakes have been found and corrected. These mistakes consist of sections not labeled correctly, sections being duplicated, sections not being scanned, and working halves being scanned rather than the archive half.
  Fifty close ups have been produced this cruise. We are presently drilling our last site so this will most likely increase.
  All equipment functioned well but for the above mentioned scanner problem.
  16 gigs of PR related images have been produced.
  There were no microscope related problems that I am aware of after initial set up.
  
  
  

  UNDERWAY GEOPHYSICS LAB

  Kristin Hillis
  

  Summary

  The magnetometer was deployed on the transit across the Pacific. Bathymetric data was collected on the transit from Auckland and L1T, L2T, L6T, and L7T of Exp 334. The sonar was not used when making return visits to the 334 sites, as an accurate PDR had already been obtained. Navigation data was collected throughout the entire transit and expedition.
  

  Data Summary

  330T and Expedition 334 consisted of 9 transits, 4 sites, and 7 holes.
  Transits:Auckland → Puntarenas
  Puntarenas → U1378
  U1378 → U1379
  U1379 → Puntarenas (drop off LWD tools and technicians)
  Puntarenas → U1379
  U1379 → U1378
  U1378 → U1380
  U1380 → U1381
  U1381 → Puntarenas
  Sites/Holes:U1378A (LWD)/B/C holes
  U1379A (LWD)/B holes
  U1380A hole
  U1381A hole
  
  WinFrog 1 was the primary computer used to collect navigation data. The 3.5 kHz was run on the transit across the Pacific and L1T, L2T, L6T, and L7T of Exp 334.
  Equipment Performance Summary:
  

  Trimble/Ashtech GPS

  The Trimble was the primary GPS used for the duration of Expedition 334. No problems were encountered.
  

  Gyro

  The gyro from DP was used throughout the cruise without any problems.
  

  WinFrog

  WinFrog 1 was the primary computer used for Expedition 334.
  Makepic problem: I ran into a problem downloading a coastline plot for WinFrog using the NGDC website and Makepic. Using the old method in Makepic, after completing all the steps, an error message would flash across the screen so fast it was unreadable. I did a screen capture of it and it read "run-time error: read <step1.dat> - invalid REAL." It would create .pic file of 1Kb that was unusable. After troubleshooting with .dat files from previous cruises, it seems the NGDC website has changed their .dat file format that Makepic does not understand. Old .dat files that worked contained an ">" at each break, and the new files I was creating from their website had "#" instead. If I opened the .dat file in WordPad and did a search and replace ">" for "# -b" everything worked. Not sure is this is a permanent solution, but that was the only difference I could come up with from previously made coastlines.
  I was given a crash course by Bill Mills on using the Google Earth navigation program for video display. It was used for almost half of the transit from Auckland, but tended to get bogged down in data and not update in a timely manner. Stopping and starting the system every 12 hours still left a lag in the data and I was eventually asked by numerous Transocean personnel and IODP staff to return to WinFrog for public viewing.
  

  Bathy 2010

  Bathy 2010 provided accurate depths throughout the cruise.
   

  Magnetometer

  The magnetometer was deployed for the duration of the transit from Auckland to Costa Rica. It was retrieved once to ensure the fittings were still secure and we discovered it had encountered a shark, with several gouges and splinter lines.
  The problem previously experience with the GPS requiring a re-sync at midnight GMT seems to have gone away with the new upgrade Erik did on 330.
  

  EPC Recorders

  The EPC Recorders were not utilized on this cruise.
  VSP
  No VSPs were conducted on Expedition 334.
  

  Items Ordered/Received

  Still awaiting a new Trimble to replace the Ashtech. The previously purchased GPS was installed for the LO office and another has been ordered for the Underway lab.
  

  FANTAIL

  Roy Davis & Kristin Hillis

  Summary

  The magnetometer was deployed for the duration of the long transit, being pulled in once to ensure the connections were still secure. At this mid-point of the transit we found the magnetometer had received a shark bite. The magnetometer performed well and no data was lost. The problem of the SeaSPY software requiring a re-sync with the GPS only occurred once.
  Bathymetry data was collected during the transit from Auckland to Puntarenas, as well as on the initial visit to the CRISP sites. Navigation data was collected throughout the transit and expedition.
  

  Special Projects

  The fantail crane was painted again during the expedition. Care should be taken when extending the boom to avoid scrapping the paint off.
  

  Problems Encountered

  None
  
  

  SYSTEM MANAGER'S REPORT

  Mike Hodge,Mike Cannon and Andrew Trefethen
  
  Mike Hodge and Mike Cannon were the Marine Computer Specialists for Expedition 330T. Andrew Trefethen and Mike Cannon were the Marine Computer Specialists for Expedition 334.
  

  Summary

  
  During Expedition 330T and 334 the IT infrastructure performed as intended with little to no adverse impact to operations. Some resources such as GroupWise Web Access would stop occasionally and would require restarting the service. The Cumulus service on Etna continues to cause the message log to use an excessive amount of disk space requiring a restart of the service. We had some hardware failure in our servers but this caused no interruptions to service.
  We changed satellites during the transit from a satellite over the Pacific to a satellite over the Atlantic. This will provide telecommunications service for upcoming expeditions. This move was scheduled and took place with RigNet's assistance. After changing satellites we experienced occasional brief outages of internet service throughout the transit and expedition 334. Our antennas would occasionally track off to another satellite and would require us to manually reset the antenna.
  

  Servers (Microsoft)

• Three hardware failures occurred in three different servers. A fiber channel card and a hard drive failed. Both were replaced. A power supply failed and a replacement is coming at the next port call. None of these failures caused any downtime.
• Updated and reconfigured our HP SIM management software on all servers to allow more efficient management and problem reporting.
• Upgraded Command View on Erebus to v9.3.

Servers (Novell)

• GroupWise Web Access services stopped on two occasions requiring a restart of that service.
• POOL1 went comatose twice requiring that pool to be restarted.
• On separate occasions Rainier and Ararat hard locked requiring a reboot of the server. This caused no downtime and the problem has not re-occurred since.

Servers (Solaris)

• Received SMELT messages approximately every two weeks indicating /var was 92% full. Restarting the Cumulus service freed up about 60% of the used space.

EVA4000 Storage

• The EVA performed perfectly with no failures of any kind.

Network

• There were no problems encountered with the network.

Printers

• Some users reported slow printing issues while using the copier. It was determined that they were attempting to print with an incorrect paper size and the copier was waiting for them to select a different paper size before continuing. After instructing the users to select the proper paper size the copier performed as it should.
• Zenon reported slow printing concerning the core color printer. It was determined that he was printing large, high-resolution images from the SHIL system. We timed the operation; it was taking about three minutes to print. It was explained that this is normal when printing large images as they take some time to raster.
• One Zebra printer failed and was replaced with a spare unit.

PC/Workstations

• Removed the Curator PC and replaced it with a docking station.

Apple Mac Workstations

• Mac workstations performed well without failure.

Satellite/Internet/Phones:

• Changed from IS-602 in the Pacific to IS-707 during the transit. Had issues tuning the aft antenna to the proper frequencies necessary for the change over and discovered we had been given the wrong transceiver. Operated on the bow antenna only for the remainder of the transit. Replaced the transceiver with the correct one during port call and the aft antenna was able to be brought online.
• Internet service would occasionally be interrupted due to our antennas tracking another satellite close to IS-707. This required us to reset the antennas manually to line them up with our satellite again. RigNet gave us new tracking frequencies to use as well as other parameters to tweak. After changing these parameters both antennas' tracking improved noticeably and they did not track off the satellite.
• A problem was reported and confirmed that, when dialing the office on shore, some calls were not getting through. The phone would ring two times and then go to voice mail. The person on the other end did not hear the phone ring or receive a voice mail. The problem was isolated to missing information in the TAMU telephone switch. The information was corrected and phone service was restored.

Other Equipment

• Four VBrick decoders failed and were replaced with new units.
• Replaced a failed hard drive in the DVD burning system.
• One VBrick monitor failed and was replaced.

Special Projects

• Installed Acronis Backup and Recovery 10 on all host instrument workstations in the core, chem. and x-ray labs as well as underway lab. Installed repository and management software on Spurr. Created backup images of all of these workstations to allow them to be recovered to a previous functional state should the need arise.
• Installed a system to allow us to monitor the VSAT antenna controllers remotely. This can provide a faster response time to occurrences when they arise.

DEVELOPERS REPORT

Dwight Hornbacher, Algie Morgan

Overview

This document highlights changes in laboratory data acquisition and collection systems, and changes in the development work environment. Notable issues and changes are presented in-line. Issues not addressed and features requested are collated in Addendum C: Issues and Features.

Curation and Core Handling

SampleMaster

Production is at release 2.1.1.6. Pending release 2.2.0.6 implements responsiveness improvements—presently undergoing evaluation and test. Version 2.2.0.6 was released on 23 March, but was rolled back when it was discovered that entering certain sample-types caused unhandled exception messages. After the rollback it was discovered that the exceptions had nothing to do with the new version, but sampling has been so heavy that there has not been an opportunity to re-release the new version. We plan to redeploy version 2.2.0.6 at the end of coring on site U1380 on the transit back to Puntarenas

Geophysics

Whole core systems

Whole-round logger (WRMSL). No change. We continue to plan for the upgrade to the new user interface; there were a couple of instances when the instrument failed to find the start point because the first sequence was started with "Section" 0 instead of 1. Galil motor would not return the pusher to home. Had to work the pusher back to home then reset home. Has continued to work throughout the expedition. We had problems with the data coming out of the PWave. Obtained good data in the first nine cores of U1379C, but then the values changed to 1 or .85 which were incorrect. Observing the core liner sediment contact, a large degree of gas bubbling appeared along the length of the core. With deeper cores the void spaces became larger, and the bubbling continued. Discussing the issue with the staff scientists and the respective scientists, they wanted to know if the frequency was changed would it work then. Cannot change the frequency since it is the output of a crystal. Increased the current limit to 5.0 from 2.5. This put greater pressure on the liner, and seemed to help but it was not a good solution. It appears the clays are withdrawing from the lining. Neither a change in frequency or pressure solves the problem. As long as the clays do not make a good contact with the liner, the pulse cannot be adequately transmitted across the liner/clay boundary. Called Trevor Cobine and discussed it with him. Did some FFT on the raw data and found a bi-modal distribution between the good and the bad data cores. The bad cores had a large, narrow peak close to the axis origin, whereas, the four broad peaks were seen in the good core data. Suspect the pressure wave is moving through the liner in the bad core data, and through the sediments in the good core data. I believe the problem lies in gas-filled pockets along the liner, which do not couple the signal across the liner sediment contact. Thus, the first wave arrival is from the liner, and not from the sediments. Normally this is not seen since the signals from the sediment transit are faster and much larger in amplitude.
Special task logger (STMSL). Was not used on this expedition. The track was partially disassembled to handle a temporary science experiment brought on board by one of the scientists.
Natural gamma (NGR). Major changes had been made on a previous expedition. The software was modified to include the following:

• Lengthened the Data capture time box in order to accommodate longer numbers.
• Made the start measurement button on Sample ID page to require only one click not two.
• On move in and move out motion control, allowed the user to move in cm increments.
• Added a button, which allows the user to shut down data reduction processing.
• Altered the Measurement Location so the user can now select all 16 background files, or either the 8 position 1 or the 8 position 2 background files. Files are loaded immediately as selection is made.
• Altered the User name text field test so that it measures string length; if greater than zero, do nothing, else insert "UNKNOWN" user into the text field, and then begin process.
• Saved code in the JR svn.

Split core systems

Line-scan imager (SHIL). The imager control software is unchanged. The techs reported several instances of dropped line-scans. This behavior always happened in the interval between about 110 and 115 centimeters. When this happened tech cleaned the rod that is used to measure the position of the camera and the imager would perform normally for approximately a couple of shifts and then the problem would reoccur. The techs and the imaging specialist were not able to determine the cause of the dropped line scans. When a complete restart of the computer was done, then the bug disappeared. Probably is related to heap size decreasing over time; probably have a memory leak.
Sonic velocity (GANTRY). Trouble getting the z-axis to work properly, it would hang up. Found the system has lost its connection to the com port; reset the right com port to the application. Next, there was no signal coming out of the pwave generator. Found a bad NI board, replaced and worked again. Next, the Acuity laser stopped finding distance to section. All else worked, replaced it with a new Acuity laser; the range finding started working again. Packed the bad laser and sent it to David Houpt. The company sent a send to factory slip, which was packed with the box.
Reflectance and susceptibility (SHMSL). Users would sometimes shut down the reflectance graph, but the instrument would still record data. A shut down and restart of the application resolved the problem.

Discrete sample systems

Thermal conductivity (TCON). Had some issues with getting good data; had more to do with water content and circulation problems about the probe. Did have some upload problems. Each time the load button was engaged, the loader would try to load all the files in the directory. If there were a bad file among them, it would cause the loader to create an index out of range error. Loaded the files on developer machine, which was successful. Once the bad files were removed, the loader worked well.
Moisture and density (MAD). No change. Continues to provide recurring support effort for repair PYC and MAD_MASS data cataloging errors. Would suggest a software controlled measuring process on shore to reduce measurement errors on the jars. Also would like to see software developed which would handle the common errors in the database. Pycnometer: Inserted the #six cell. Had some problems with the electronics; but with some wire switching was able to get the fill Solenoid to work properly. This created problems with cell one. Cell one was over-pressuring and shut down. At zero std TP, the pressure read 2.7 volts. It rose quickly to 5.2 volts then shut down the diagnostic software. When the cable was switched to cell six, then cell six had the issue. Began to suspect the switching box or the board. Using another board, the problem still remained. Did a systematic check of wiring inputs and outputs among the various components. Using the Measurement and Automation software to view the Analog data from the pressure cell and to switch the cell solenoids for cell 1 and 6; found the changes made for cell 6 to work had affected cell 1. Reversed those changes and cell one began to work. Did a rework of the wiring for cell 6 and finally obtained the right wiring connections to make cell 6 work properly. The diagnostic software was then run to test all the cells. The diagnostics went well. Pycnometer worked well throughout the expedition. Took pictures so all is documented in order to show how the wiring should be..
If developers on 335 are not able to fully implement it is recommended that the pycnometer and the Mettler balances get packaged up and sent to shore at the end of 335 so that work can continue on this project during the tie-up period.

Paleomagnetics

Point susceptibility.
Agico J6A.
Kappa Bridge KLY-4S.
GPS sighting.
Superconducting magnetometer (SRM section). SRM was not obtaining the section length from the label. Found a line feed in the scanned string. After re-programming the scanner, the problem was resolved. Added a Flux Jump Checking vi. It checks for any remnant counts indicative of a flux jump and warns the user if such an event occurred. Users used the wrong cross-sectional area in 18 cores; will get the data from the backup and reprocess it through the srm software. Altered the sample entry screen on the section application so that only two values are set. Upon opening, the cross-sectional area is set to a section-half cross-sectional area. If the whole round button is selected, then the value becomes the whole round cross-sectional area. Re-entry resets the value to half-section cross-sectional area. Disabled all calculation functions and related buttons. Shortened orientation list to two values: Double or Single.
Superconducting magnetometer (SRM discrete). Added a Flux Jump Checking vi. It checks for any remnant counts indicative of a flux jump and warns the user if such an event occurred. User complained the controller file did not adjust to changes. Found the user had not saved changes. Fixed the problem. User ran a group of discrete samples without properly identifying the samples; recovered using the backup files. User ran a group of discrete samples in out-of-order offsets; caught it before damage was done. Fixed the entry screen so that discrete samples now sort through the list making sure the offset is run in ascending order upon acceptance.

RAD

Cahn Balance The balance ceased communicating with the laptop PC in the RAD van. The RS-232 to USB converter had failed. The only replacement we had would not work under Windows 7. The MCS eventually found a Vista driver that seemed to work, however, we have not been able to get PC to communicate with the balance. The ET's checked all the wiring between the PC and the balance and report that the wires all check normal. Still not resolved.

Operations

Core winch counter video overlay

No change.
The Xbob software frequently stops polling the core-winch counter (Veeder-Root). Outage is evidenced by Xbob's front-panel elapsed-time counter continually increasing without acquiring new data. RigWatch stops receiving data at the same time. Restarting Xbob is often sufficient. Presently no serial port splitter is in place. Further analysis required.

Reporting Systems

WebTabular reports. No change. See addenda.

Web Service

resteasy-lims-webservices Development is currently underway to add new features to the DepthService class in this project. Services and private methods are being added that will allow reporting tools such as WebTabular to use the new depth tables in LIMS. As of this writing the improvements are still under development and will be deployed when they have been completed and tested.

Laboratory System Services

MegaUploadaTron. At production release 2.0.6.6. Version 2.0.6.7 packaged and ready to deploy, pending stesting. Added capability to upload vane-shear data, this replaces the old LabVIEW vane-shear upload application which ceased uploading for unknown reasons. Problems with loader in Xray. Removed and replaced with updated version. But that didn't work. It was discovered after installation and setting the load directory, the user must shutdown the loader, the restart it. Then it will pick up the files to be loaded. This is a known problem with the program.
Zebra Printers The small label printer was wrapping up the labels onto the output spindle. Did some cleaning, but it didn't solve the problem. Replaced it with another Zebra, and had the MCS do some cleaning.
Canon Slide Camera Could not get the remote camera control to initiate. Did a restart of the computer, and the Canon EOS software worked.

Development Work

Penetration Strength The scientists used the penetrometer for the first time on this expedition. Everything was manually inputted to paper spreadsheets. Then Margaret would create an Excel spreadsheet and manually input the values. This was a highly error prone procedure. I took the Java Label Printing software and altered it to handle the Penetrometer values. The software obtains the section or sample data; the user then selects the sample from the Sample table. They input offset and penetrometer values and any comments, then push the save button. It then saves the values including the calculated results into the LIMS table. It simplified the process, and made it less error prone. Took approximately 8 hours to build since most of the software had already been created. Simple modification of the software and cut and paste.

Data Overview

1. Must allow for no port number. Added none to port number then added decode to SQL Select String: "select 'http://'||server||decode(port,'none','',':'||port) from lims.x_server where alias = '" + resourceName + "'".
2. Instead of passing parameters in the get method, created a applicationoverview.properties file with dbhost=db.ship.iodp.tamu.edu:1521; resource=limssodv; user=hornbacher; password=xxxxxxxxx. This is loaded using a ResourceBundle object, and the values are added to the application map.
3. Must work out the page layout for ship versus shore.
4. Created the x_dboverview, x_server, and x_reportlink tables in the ship's production database as well as the sequences for each table. Also assigned select privilege to public.
5. Need to create a guest account on ship.
6. Made some modifications to the Report Overview and committed them to the shore svn. Now uses a applicationoverview properties file to hold the resource, dbhost, user and password values instead of passing them as parameters in the URL get method.
7. Made more modifications in order to allow for ship versus shore compilation. Commented out those things for shore; will need to comment out ship and remove comments for shore in order to compile for shore.

Statistics

Samples. Counts of sample records
30606 total samples (1)21270 exp 334 samples(2)654 standard reference materials (3) 757 exp 334 samples canceled (4) 11971 samples fulfilling requests (5) 9299 routine shipboard samples (6) 6 hole (7) 194 core1218 section2436 section half504 smear slide
Method reference. (1) select count "Routine Samples" from sample; (2) select count "Exp Samples" from sample where x_expedition='330' and standard='F' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0; (3) select count "Std Ref Materials" from sample where x_expedition='QAQC' and standard='T' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0 and sample_name not like 'CONT%'; (4) select count "Exp Canceled Samples" from sample where x_expedition='330' and standard='F' and instr('X', status) > 0; (5) select count "Samples Filfilling Requests" from sample where x_expedition='330' and (x_req_code is not null or x_requestor is not null) and instr('ICPA', status) > 0; (6) select count "Routine Shipboard Samples" from sample where x_expedition='330' and (x_req_code is null and x_requestor is null) and instr('ICPA', status) > 0; (7) select sample_type, count from sample where x_expedition='330' and instr('ICPA', status) > 0 and sample_type in ('HOLE','CORE','SECT','SHLF','PC','TS','SS') group by sample_type;
Tests. Counts of test records.
160465 total tests (1)109420 exp 334 tests conducted (2)1196 exp 334 tests canceled (3)3828 qaqc during 334 (Dec 11 – Feb 9) (4)
Method reference. (1) select count "Total Tests" from test; (2) select count "Exp Tests Conducted" from test where sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where x_expedition='334' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0) and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0; (3) select count "Exp Tests Canceled" from test where sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where x_expedition='334' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0) and instr('X', status) > 0; (4) select count "Ext QAQC" from test where sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where standard='T' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0) and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0 and date_received > to_date('2011-03-13 00:00:00', 'yyyy-mm-dd hh24:mi:ss') and date_received < to_date('2011-14-13 23:59:59', 'yyyy-mm-dd hh24:mi:ss');
Results. Counts of result records.
5482357 total results (1)3590386 exp 334 results (2)23720 exp 334 results canceled (3)85237 qaqc during 330 (Dec 11 – Feb 9) (4)
Method reference. (1) select count "Total Results" from result; (2) select count "Exp Results" from result where sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where x_expedition='334' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0) and instr('EMAR', status) > 0; (3) select count "Exp Results Cancled" from result where sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where x_expedition='334' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0) and instr('X', status) > 0; (4) select count "QAQC Results" from result where sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where standard='T' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0) and instr('EMAR', status) > 0 and entered_on > to_date('2011-03-13 00:00:00', 'yyyy-mm-dd hh24:mi:ss') and entered_on < to_date('2011-04-13 23:59:59', 'yyyy-mm-dd hh24:mi:ss');

Data Acquired

See Addendum B: Data Acquired.

Developer Resources

Desktops

Desktop box. The development desktop remains a fully functional development box. Applied a series of incremental software updates [noted in labhelp email archive "CHANGED: build and development desktop box updated"]. Desktop xw4400 now also drives the large form-factor monitor at full resolution. The video card carries a single-link and dual-link DVI video connector. Only the dual-link DVI connector is capable of driving the monitor at full resolution.
Macintosh. Installed seismic analysis packages here for Dr. Ebuna: SIOSEIS, Seismic Unix. MCS applied latest updates and patches from Apple. Downloaded and applied current Xcode development environment. Searched for and installed matching release level of the GNU gfortran compiler.

Servers

Load balancing. Load balancing is implemented for these additional services: resteasy-desclogik-services, resteasy-printer, resteasy-monitor, resteasy-drillreport, resteasy-MAD, resteasy-reqmgmt [PENDING on transit in, attempt two].
BUILD box. Various incremental software updates—same as noted above for the desktop box. Most notably: retired Visual Studio 2008, updated Java to 1.6.0_23, updated VisualSVN to version 2.1.5, updated Eclipse to version 3.6.1 [HELIOS], updated SQLdeveloper to 3.0. VisualSVN updated simultaneously on the shore BUILD box.
BUILD box is underpowered, particularly for conducting application builds under Visual Studio 2010, and especially when multiple developers access the system concurrently. Replace it. Recommend this as an entry-point to gain experience with solid-state drives on the server-side. Outstanding requests regarding this server: (1) obtain "new" hardware—at parity with existing hardware or newer; (2) must support a 64-bit Windows operating system; (3) must support 3-5 concurrent development users without "bogging down"; (4) dedicated for development use; (5) purchase a COMVault agent for backups of this system.
Digital master library. This local cache of instrument host and development system drivers and control software now has a permanent home:
JR\\jr1\vol1\tas\dmlHQ\\odpads\tas\dml
Test servers. No change. Rather than expend further effort on this path, returned the available Solaris UltraSPARC system to the MCS. Pursuing alternatives.
Testing practice. Production systems suffice for most testing. Apply "good" test practice by considering the context and kind of tests being performed. Database read/write changes may be tested in individual schema accounts without affecting production LIMS content. A small body of test data is always available in the production server intended for more carefully constrained read/write situations. Web-service changes may always be vetted against a production server by applying the update to a less-used or un-used server node (e.g. web). More typically a node may be removed from load balancing for the duration of a specific test. Krakatoa. Devlopment account is now only used for backup of the BUILD box. Ops account and console are used to manage RigWatch master console, XBob video overlay, and the navigation/bathymetry data feed. Developers and MCS need to negotiate at beginning of expedition who will manage the component purely to avoid stepping on each other.Addendum A: DESCLogik Data Dashboard
Observed column indicates number of result records present for that tab and template. Does not reflect actual rows you will see in DESCLogik—better used as a gross indication of presence/absence of data. Status (S) column separates notes and separates canceled (X) content from "live" (E) production content.

Method. Query used to extract the above content.
set timing on linesize 160 pagesize 50000
column "User" format a9
column "Exp" format a4
column "Hole" format a6
column "Stat" format 999999
column "S" format a1
column "Template'n'Tab" format a70
select
count(distinct r.test_number) "Stat"
, s.x_expedition "Exp"
, s.x_site||s.x_hole "Hole"
, r.entered_by "User"
, r.status "S"
, regexp_substr(r.entry,'^[|]') ||': ' ||regexp_substr(r.entry,'[^|]$') "Template'n'Tab"
from
sample s inner join result r on s.sample_number = r.sample_number
where 1=1
and s.sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where x_expedition='330')
and r.analysis='DESC' and r.name='templateID' and r.entry like '330%'
group by s.x_expedition, s.x_site, s.x_hole, r.entered_by, r.status
, regexp_substr(r.entry,'^[|]') ||': ' ||regexp_substr(r.entry,'[^|]$')
order by 2, 3, 5, 6, 4;

Addendum B: Data Acquired

Breakdowns of samples analyzed, tests conducted, results collected organized by analytical tests.

Method. (1) select analysis, count from result where sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where x_expedition='330' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0) and instr('EMAR', status) > 0 group by analysis order by analysis; (2) select analysis, count from test where sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where x_expedition='330' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0) and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0 group by analysis order by analysis;(3) select analysis, count(distinct sample_number) from test where sample_number in (select sample_number from sample where x_expedition='330' and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0) and instr('ICPAR', status) > 0 group by analysis order by analysis;

Addendum C: Issues and Features

Items in green have been addressed. Others are outstanding. To be forwarded to the appropriate Lab Working Groups.

Section Half Imager

BUG Imager will randomly drop line scans in interval between 100 and 120.

SRM Section

MegaUploadaTron

BUG When the application is first started and "Set Upload Directory" is used to set a new watch directory, the application must be fully shut-down and restarted before it will populate the upload list with files in the selected directory.

SampleMaster

BUG Occasionally when printing labels from the View tab the application will crash and must be restarted. Afterwards reprinting the labels print successfully. Problem cannot be replicated at will.
BUG SampleMaster does not clear orange background after samples are uploaded successfully. Orange background can only be cleared by restarting SampleMaster or selecting the affected rows and using "Delete entire row…" feature.

Reporting

BUG WebTabular [reported by Steve Midgley on 8 April 2011, as this report was being created] not reporting RCB hole on the "Drilling Summary (Core Tech Sheet" report. Also, after RCB hole information is entered in SampleMaster the "master" totals at the end of the report no longer display.

Moisture and Density: Pycnometer and Balance

FEATURE Pycnometer—sort sample list in container number order; currently the order is completely random.
BUG Pycnometer: Sample-list is not honoring "canceled" results, if there are canceled results the container-number/text-id will show up in the sample list multiple times.
BUG [carried forward from Exp 330 tech report] Duplicate MAD_MASS analyses are being generated: same sample_number, same test_number, different result_numbers. Been happening for 3 expeditions now. Balance change? Log test change? Unknown. Checking. Should use existing test record created by SampleMaster at sample cataloging time. We are obtaining duplicate container entries and mass_dry entries on MAD_MASS records: one comes from SampleMaster, the other from? Balance or web-service or invocation combo.

Other

FEATURE MAD analyzer: it would be nice to have a software tool that allows users to scan LIMS and detect common problems in the MAD_MASS, PYC, and MAD analyses. On expeditions with heavy MAD analysis such a tool could be used to proactively find and correct problems.
FEATURE We need an easy way to pull, modify, and replace files in asman; e.g., when images are scanned with the wrong label, and the Exp-site-hole-core-section information is inserted into the TIF and uncropped-jpg images, there should be a way to easily identify, upload, modify the image; then copy/replace the files in the asman catalog. While it is possible and desirable to re-image the affected section-half, the scientists often do not want to do this since some physical characteristics (e.g., coloring) have changed as the section has continued to age.

Microbiology Lab

Eric Jackson

Summary

All equipment operated without any serious problems.
New parts are on order for one of the refrigerators according to the E.T.s
Expedition analyses:
Cell Counts using the fluorescent microscope was the only analysis performed.

Equipment

Autoclave
Mini centrifuge
Vacuum pumps
Vortex genie
Water bath/ incubator
Sonic bath
Epifluorescence Microscope and camera/software
Vacuum sealer
Propane burner
Heat sealers
Fume hoods
Anaerobic chamber
Cold room
-80 freezers
-20 freezer
Refrigerators
Nitrogen gas tanks (for storing samples to ship)

Chemistry Lab

(Report is current as of 4/10/11, 3 days are left in the expedition, so some issues/problems may be fixed)
Chemistry Technicians: Lisa Brandt, Mike Bertoli
X334 CRISP was a one-month cruise. We drilled at three sites, with no logging between sites, so very little time was available to complete analyses before cores from the next site showed up in the lab.

SAMPLE TOTALS

CHNS

We have run 220 samples to-date on the elemental analyzer, and will continue to do so until nearly the end of the cruise. We did find one bug in the Worklist Generator used to create the CHNS sample lists: it does not include the last selected sample into the sample list.

COULOMETER

We fired this up 3 days before the end of the cruise. It seems to be working fine. The new software is a vast improvement over the old software. As of 4/10/11 we had analyzed 52 samples. I estimate we will end up analyzing about 100-200 samples.

SRA

Again, the scientists intended to use it but we did not have enough time to run it.

IC

216 samples were analyzed for sulfate on the IC. The scientists did not use the chloride number, as it was not accurate/precise enough for their needs. The scientists wanted to run the IC in real-time, in order to determine the depth of the sulfate-methane interface in the hole, and also to check for drillwater contamination in the cores. However, they took so many samples in the first few sections, that by the time the samples were ready to be analyzed, drilling was already several cores ahead of them.
As of 4/8/11, the eluent cartridge is currently at 18% strength. Also, the retention times of the elements have shifted up several minutes between this cruise and the Juan de Fuca expedition last June. The IC will most likely not be used next expedition, but we should plan on having to replace the Eluent Cartridge and possibly columns/other hardware before the start of the Mid-Atlantic Microbio Expedition.

DA

We installed the new vacuum pump on the DA, and changed out the tubing. We ended up not using the DA because we got silica off the ICP, phosphate was not important, and the scientists ran the old Milton-Roy/ Mr. Sipper spectrophotometer for Ammonium.

GC3

GC3 ran very well at first, but then began to decline. The chromatograms reflected a loss of sample to the detector; we determined that helium was making its way to the Gas Sample Out indicator; the Vici valve was manually cycled, which appears to have corrected the problem, but it has not been tested.

NGA

The NGA, after some initial calibration issues, continues to run all gas samples and has done so with excellent results. We've run 554 injections to-date (including standards, headspace and void samples), and will continue to run samples until nearly the end of the cruise.

ALKALINITY

164 samples were analyzed for alkalinity. We had a few instances where the software crashed and required restarting the computer.

CHLORINITY TITRATOR

The scientists performed hand titrations with the chloride titrator. They complained about bubbles entering the titration line and messing up the titrations. We have purchased a new Chloride Autotitrator and it is waiting on shore to be deployed to the ship, so this should not be a problem in the future.

ICP

240 water samples were analyzed for Major and Trace Elements on the ICP. We had no spare nebulizers on board; they did not fall below the reorder point until 2/14/11, which was not enough time to the nebulizers to be shipped to the first Puntarenas port call. I have increased the stock level and re-order point for nebulizers in AMS. The instrument ran well, no major problems. We used the ICP analyzer in-house software to reduce the data. The software worked well after we figured out the Standard naming conventions.

TOC

The TOC analyzer was not used this expedition.

GC2

GC2 was not used this expedition.

BALANCES

Both the dual Mettler-Toledo balances and the Cahn 29 microbalance performed without issue.

FREEZE DRYER

The freeze dryer worked well, save only two or three ports are truly vacuum-tight. We need to work on this to ensure all ports are viable.

DI/NANOPURE SYSTEM

The water purification systems worked very well; all filters were replaced save the large DIamond Pack (D50282), which expired in August, 2009. We may want to replace this in Curacao, or at least before X336.

CARVER PRESSES

The left two automated Carver presses leak oil; the left-most, from a cracked L-piece (as per Roy) and the middle automated press from the seal around the reservoir casing. They are significant leaks, and the squeezers need to be repaired; we are currently filling them up every couple days/week.

MUFFLE FURNACE

The replacement fan purchased for the muffle furnace does not fit, and the ETs (Gerrick and randy) put in many hours working on it.

FUEGO BURNERS

Excellent burners, however the power adapters (read: which allow their power cables to plug into our outlets) are missing, along with their other international adapters. Gerrick rigged something up, but only one is operational.

HYRDROGEN GENERATORS

The Packard Hydrogen generator stopped producing hydrogen a few hours after we changed the dessicant. We swapped over to the new Parker Hydrogen generator, but have a problem where every 40 minutes we get an "Overrun" error. This happened on a weekend and we haven't had time to call tech support. We took the older Packard apart and examined the cell inside. Tim B remembered that sometimes you have to "burp" the cell to release trapped air; tried that and it didn't work. We got Randy to replace the cell with a spare one. After some tinkering with the water level in the cell, we got the older model to work.