LAB OFFICER'S REPORT

Kazushi "kuro" Kuroki
Science Objectives
Expedition 317 focuses on understanding the relative importance of global sea level (eustasy) versus local tectonic and sedimentary processes in controlling continental margin depositional cyclicity. The emphasis is on the Oligocene–Holocene period when global sea level change was dominated by glacioeustasy.
General Leg Information
Expedition 324 ended and Expedition 317 began with the first line ashore Townsville, Australia on 3 November 2009. Port call activities included a crossover and freight handling beginning on 4 November and ending when the vessel sailed on 8 November. After 8 days of transit, the ship arrived Wellington at 1130 on 16 November to load winter fuel for Expedition 318. The Vessel departed Wellington for the first Site U1351 at 0930 hrs 17 November. There will be a day transit from last site to Wellington, New Zealand and it schedule to arrive at 0600 on 4 January 2010.
Port Call Activities Overview
Townsville, Australia
Offloading of

• Cores to GCR
• Expedition 324 general surface and air freight (including Foreign air shipments)
• Schlumberger air freight
• Trash

Delivery and loading of

• IODP surface and air freight
• LDEO and Schlumberger freight
• Food
• Fuel

Other Port Call Activities

• VSAT service call
• Elevator inspection by ABS, issued of "Statement of Fact Survey"

Lab Activities
Lab Safety

• We received 6 SCBA harness this cruise, we cleaned out the bat cave then made 6 complete sets of SCBA. 2 sets of SCBA are located at core splitting room, 2 sets are under WRMSL, 2 sets are at Focsle deck by the copy machine. 3 complete sets in the pelican case and 6 empty scott SCBA case are in the bat cave. 3 cylinders are in the logistics shop, 1 is full and 2 are leaked out.
• The microbiologist requested to use HF for cell extraction that is new procedure for cell counts. Our HF guideline is for palynology, so that we corresponding with the head quarter about new procedure and we approved to use HF for microbio.
• Exhaust fan switch did not have useful tag on it, now there are properly tags on the switches.
• Hazardous store operation protocol has not been set with new configuration. The new protocol is in progress.

Special Project

• Install Vidmar cabinets in the logistics shop to replace with nuts and bolts drawers.
• Marine mammal watch training on Big eye

Core Lab
Core lab operations ran well, with fewer cores than the anticipated high recovery. This left time for installations and modifications around the lab to ease future operations. The lab equipment functioned as required. Due to the nature of the core, the wire splitter and the super saw were utilized on this leg, and with minor adjustments and modifications they functioned adequately.
Physical Property Lab
In general, the Physical Property Laboratory provided an excellent platform to collect high-quality & high-resolution bulk density (GRAPE - in short: GRA), magnetic susceptibility (MS), acoustic sound speed (PWL), and natural gamma radiation data (NGR).
Data at a resolution of 2.5cm to 5cm intervals were collected with automated tracking systems (WRMSL & NGR), and complemented by discrete Moisture & Density (MAD) measurements (on average 1/section), thermal conductivity (on average 1 or 2/core), Automated Shear Vane (AVS, on average 1/section), and acoustic sound speed measured on the PWave Gantry (on average 1/section). A Fall Cone Penetrometer experiment from the Bremen University, Germany, complemented the suite of discrete measurements, to determine static shear strength.
Paleomagnitics Lab
SRM Continuous section software performed well, discrete sample software was problematic. Demag section has bugs. 365 runs were done. The FlexIT was run at the start of most holes. Because of partial APC strokes, the tool was not used extensively. The tools used worked well with no problems encountered. Agico KLY-4S was used extensively with plastic cube samples.
Paleo Prep Lab
The paleo preparation lab was used efficiently and effectively. The HF was used by microbiologist in the HF fume hood. An ethanol lamp was used successfully by the diatom scientist. A wooden sieve mount was made to support the sieve whilst washing samples.
Down hole Lab
The APCT3 was run 9 times and the SET run 3 times. The SET and APCT3 temperatures were matched well on the temperature gradients. Shallow water drilling and sandy sediments hindered more temperature runs.
Chemistry Lab
The IC intake was clogged due to precipitation in the line. The DA was re-installed in the lab. GC3/NGA performed well despite calibration errors. ICP and Alkalinity functioned without significant problems. SR analyzer has been used for the first time since January 2009 and was used throughout the cruise with significant problems. FID ignition failure is a major problem. CHNS performed well, although we ran out of pre-packed reactors. The post-scrubber assembly on the coulometer has been replaced with a more robust housing. The GC2 requires major improvements. The TOC has not used, and is moved to the MBio area. The uploaders performance improved. The Cahn balance lost its calibration whilst on site due to high seas. Carver presses have lost functionality but remain operational. A new freezer-drier was installed prior to departure and worked well with some minor problems. Hydrogen generator #1 suffered a minor injury and requires attention The digital salinometer needs to be replaced with efficient model. Between the GC3 and NGA, 610 gas samples were run. Between the coulometer, CHNS, and SRA, 1550 samples were run. A table of sample information can be found on the last page.
X-Ray Lab
Expedition 317 was expected to be a high recovery leg but recovery was problematic at the shallow sites and the high recovery was never achieved. The scientists made up for this with high resolution sampling. Many of the samples were hard rock necessitating X-Press crushing prior to grinding with mortar and pestle.
Thin Section Lab
There were 82 requests for thin section during this expedition. The samples were such as lithofied sediment, sandstone and limestone. Most of the samples were freeze dried and vacuum impregnated. LP 50 has not been used during this cruise because so few samples were requested. Routine maintenance and cleaning was performed as necessary at the end of the cruise.
Micro Bio Lab
The GC2 was the primary instrument used for Exp. 317 in order to determine contamination by PFT and Microspheres. The glove box was used extensively for anaerobic sampling.
Curation
As of December 29, 2009 there were 26,971 samples were taken for Expedition 317. Of this 7,425 were for routine shipboard analysis and 19,546 were personal samples. The recovery has been better than expected compared to the New Jersey margin cruise of which this one was modeled after.
Imaging Lab
As in Expedition 323, the imaging track proved wonderfully stable during the entire expedition with only one calibration adjustment at the beginning of the Expedition, another midway and a calibration before hand off to the on coming crew. Less than 20 close up images were requested. These were shells and other items that could be removed from the sediment core. The new close-up station location is good. No problems with interruption of workflow due to foot traffic areas were seen.
IT Systems
The IT infrastructure performed as intended with minimal interruptions to operations. Approximately 2000 meters of cores were recovered with its associated data. Some operational issues persist, GroupWise WebAccess service frequently hung during early part of this expedition but, ceased hanging. Apple File Protocol on the Novell OES servers continues to present challenges with unique character issues for PC users and refused folder access for Mac users. However, a pattern was discovered concerning locked folder access and a service call was placed to the vendor for a solution. To facilitate faster, better network bandwidth two new VLANs were implement to segregate network traffic.
Developer
During Expedition 317, a few new software systems were implemented to meet ongoing needs and many enhancements were made to software systems and the underlying database on the ship to provide an increased quality of service to the science community onboard.
Underway/Fantail
Expedition 317 consisted of 6 transits, 4 sites, and 12 holes.
WinFrog 1 was the primary computer used to collect navigation data. The 3.5kHz was run on all transits, and the 12kHz was also run on the transit from Townsville to Wellington and the site U1352 to the U1353 (96m) to ensure an accurate water depth.
The 2X G gun cluster was assembled at the beginning of the cruise for deployment. However, no VSPs were conducted due to hole instability as of writing this report.

ASSISTANT LAB OFFICER'S REPORT

Lisa Crowder & Tim Bronk
Summary
In anticipation of high and quick recovery four temp techs sailed in the Core Lab, Patrick Riley, Johanna Suhonen, Jacob Virtue, and Masahiro Nishimura (JAMSTEC). Chris Bennight sailed as a programmer allowing Mike Bertoli to sail in the Chemistry Lab. All worked out very well, it was a pleasure to have all of them.
Tim Bronk will stay over one day during port-call.
AMS/Inventory
Labeling continued in UTS.
We used more sample tubes/plugs, etc due to high-resolution sampling.
Chem lab check-out sheets were adjusted for duplicate items and locations, typos, corrected classifications, and other problems. Physical counts were also made on most items.
Special projects
Stanley-Vidmar cabinets were installed in the UT Logistics Shop. US standard size hardware was sorted and labeled into bins. Metric hardware awaits distribution.
Santa delivered a spinning table for Christmas.
Physical counts in most labs & store rooms were preformed.
Problems encountered
Limited materials to build things.
Temp Techs….need we say more?
The core splitter was very problematic at the beginning of the cruise, showing the blade-breaking problem from Exp 324. In almost all cases of breakage the blade on the aft side of the splitter was the problem. It was not uncommon to break one blade per section. We eventually fitted a piece of angled aluminum on top of the core (different sizes were cut to fit various sized core sections) and allowed the rollers to spread the load over this angle aluminum. Breakage dropped significantly but is still an issues (see Core Lab report).
Formation problems caused a significant amount of shattered core liners on one site, probably 30+ shattered liners. We transferred many core liner contents to un-shattered liners so liner patch quantity is not significantly affected.

CORE LAB

Jacob Virtue, Masahiro Nishimura, Johanna Suhonen, Patrick Riley
Summary
Core lab operations ran well, with fewer cores than the anticipated high recovery. This left time for installations and modifications around the lab to ease future operations. The lab equipment functioned as required. Due to the nature of the core, the wire splitter and the super saw were utilized on this leg, and with minor adjustments and modifications they functioned adequately.
Equipment Performance Summary:

• The new sonic welder was installed. The following settings were used:

Hold 0.05seconds
Amplitude70%
On (Time)2.50 seconds

• The wire splitter was breaking multiple blades, therefore a piece of angled aluminum was cut to the length and was placed on top of each section when splitting. This bar evenly distributed the pressure exerted by the rollers, and far fewer blades broke.
• When splitting with the wire splitter, the rollers need to be centered on the core section at all times to evenly distribute the pressure, as misalignment of rollers leads to breakage of blades.
• The SCBA cases were cleaned and the equipment was overhauled and assembled for use with full cylinders.

Special Projects

• One of the splitting room drill presses was relocated to the storage area at the base of the stair well. The second drill press was moved to the starboard bench top and plumbed accordingly.
• The splitting room D-tube rack had a ply wood back attached for ease of use. The rack handles are taped on to the base of the rack frame.
• A lab air line was added to the splitting room to supply air for the staple gun, which was brought up from the reefer.
• The speaker originally located above the sampling table was moved further aft in the core lab.
• New Stanley Vidmar cabinets were installed in the logistics work shop, and contents of the old imperial storage cabinets were transferred and labelled. The metric cabinet contents have not yet been transferred.
• A cork board was installed in the physical properties area.
• A third core rack was assembled.
• The hot and cold water lines at the sampling table sink were plumbed correctly.
• Coat hooks were installed around the core lab, down hole lab and outside the paleo lab to clear the benches of hard hats and coats.
• A custom tape dispenser was installed next to the thermal conductivity station.

Problems/Concerns

• Core catcher bench requires new silicone around the edges as it is currently delaminating.
• The splitting trough and working tables attached to the core splitter need to be raised at one end as drainage was problematic.
• The cutting saws and the drill press in the splitting room need plastic housings built around them with drain pipes to the sink, as the bench that they are on becomes unusable and time consuming to clean after the saws have been used. The small sink that had been added to the fwd cutting bench accumulated sediments and rock fragments, and failed to drain effectively.
• When utilizing the drill press for mini cores, all of the water pressure in lines was reduced to the point where there was not enough pressure to use the saws. When the water pressure was increased, it tended to wash away the softer rocks. Individual restrictor valves for each saw and drill press would be useful.
• The core splitter track appears to be out of alignment. When a determinator check is performed at different locations along the track, the distance between the blades and the determinator varies greatly.
• There are no replacement bulbs for the fluorescent lights at the sampling area.
• The shrink-wrapping of lithified archive sections was stopped due to low stock of shrink wrap.

CORE DESCRIPTION

Sarah-Jane Jackett
Summary
DESCLogik functioned efficiently. LIMS2XCEL has some issues that require urgent attention.
Sedimentologists do not have enough room to work comfortably. There were 10 participants on X317 (X320 and X323 had 7/8 participants). Luckily without stratigraphic correlators on board this problem was eased as the sedimentologists could use this work station also. Relocating the stratigraphic correlation station to the track area could contribute to solving this problem in the future.
Performance Summary: DESCLogik
There is a spread sheet (Blum, Bennight, Mateo, Jackett) circulating with suggestions and ideas to improve the users experience with DESCLogik. Many of these have been implemented during Exp. 317.
Release notes (taken on the 28^th Dec.):
3.21.22 - December 19, 2009
*Fixed issue where tests would not cancel properly if there were referenced multiple times per row
3.21.20 - December 19, 2009
*Added ability to reassign an observation to a new sample
3.21.16 - December 17, 2009
*Added ability to sort by x_test_list to the sample finder & lims dll.
3.21.14 - December 10, 2009
*Added ability for test to be logged by user other than logged in to DLL
3.21.12 - December 10, 2009
*Altered which fields were being downloaded for tests in the Lims.Dll library
3.21.10 - December 9, 2009
*Fixed issue where editing offset could sometimes cause the units field to be empty
3.21.08 - December 2, 2009
*Fixes sample range interploation to use x_curr_len (current length) as opposed to x_length (length)
3.21.0.5 - December 1, 2009
*Re-release for shore to remedy oracle library issues
3.21.0.4 - November 29, 2009
*Fixed issue where sample range not succesfully applying to a core.
*Changed sample range function to use sample type of first sample.
3.21.0.2 - November 24, 2009
*Fixed issues with interval and depth validation with could sometimes incorrectly mark a valid interval as invalid.
3.21.0.0 - November 21, 2009
*Fixed issue with editing large downloaded data sets
**Speed of edit greatly improved for large downloaded data sets
**Fixed certain circumstances which would cause data added to an existing downloaded row to be logged in a new row
*Modified most windows to popup near the mouse cursor as opposed to the default location (fixed multi and large monitor problems)
*Fixed issue with DESC password which caused errors for some users who had an incompatible format (mostly original users)
3.20.6.30 - November 16, 2009
*Added additional logging to error reporter to help isolate spell checker issues
3.20.6.28 - November 16, 2009
*Rolled back spell checker addition - still issues on certain computer configurations.
Feature on hold till further investigation.
3.20.6.26 - November 16, 2009
*Fixed issue with spell checker on some computer (64 vs. 32 bit processor)
3.20.6.24 - November 15, 2009
*Added MSPOINT analysis to enum
3.20.6.22 - November 10th, 2009
*Fixed various spelling errors in dialog messages
*Spellchecker Added
*Changed download display to only have one depth sorting
*Fixed bug which kept rotate all menu item from displaying when clicking the top leftmost cell.
3.20.6.20 - November 9th, 2009
*Changed method of updating template from update to delete and insert to fix merge problems
*Disabled "cancel test" right click option in the tabular when no test was present to cancel
*Added set row height to right click context menu
*Fixed window focus issues on sub-windows;
*Fixed issues with cancelling the user authentication dialog
*Added SHLF and HOLE to Sample Finder window
*Fixed issues with cancelling a single result (extraneous " symboles)
*When a workspace is already loaded the save dialog will automatically preselect that workspace
*Added clear row functionality to right-click context menu when clicking on row-header
*Added error condition for reversed intervals
*Clicking in sample one in a blank cell will automatically enter the currently selected sample/interval

Pre cruise preparation
A mock-up template was presented to the core describers to use and get familiar with entering data and the work flow through to the final barrel sheet stage. The template was based on findings from a similar expedition (New Jersey Margin). This gave the core describers something to change rather than starting from scratch and proved to be a great help.
Idea: A similar process for the microfossil. If the scientists have been informed of the desired data points (i.e. datums, astronomical tuning, age controls, references, species lists etc) and desired formats, and have proved a preliminary list prior to the expedition, this process can be speed up making micropaleontology templates substantially.
General error messages/ user friendly
Idea: Once a workspace has been saved with one name, then changes are made/ data added, ideally when you re-save the workspace, the name would be prompted (as with Microsoft programmes). To save scrolling though the list of workspaces to find the correct workspace.

Data Manager
Idea: Search or sort function in valve list manager is desperately needed. At present the user is required to copy and paste the information into excel and use the excel search/sort function. This function would reduce the number of duplicates which have already begun to accumulate.
Idea: A standardized protocol for references e.g. is there is a comma between the author of a species and the year, between the author of a datum, or zone, and the year etc (particularly noticeable when working with micropaleontology entries). Again this would help minimize duplicates.
Idea: When a new entry is made, saved and a new version added, ideally we would like to avoid closing and restarting the programme in order for the entry to appear.
Idea: Umlauts, circumflexes and accents (è, é, ï, û etc) commonly used in references aren't supported in LIMS, once the reference is downloaded back into DESCLogik the character is replaced with a question mark.
Templates/ Data entry
Idea: Allow custom lists to associate with subvalue lists made by other users.
Idea: Some more indication that the graphical icon to select an interval on the core photo is engaged e.g. the outline becomes blue when engaged.
Idea: MBSF as well as ruler in graphical representation of core image.
The graphic function in DESCLogik requires some work before users can describe core purely using this interface.
Downloaded data in DESCLogik
Idea: It would speed up the data entry and data checking process if the all tabs selection functioned for downloading. Currently it functions for uploading and clearing the data only.
Other Ideas

• A form of 'nested tables', allowing for example smear slide and thin section data to be incorporated into the core description template (often used to define the lithology). In real time would be ideal.
• Re-organizing the interface. SAVE button, should be UPLOAD and workspace option can be hidden to avoid confusion. Now that the downloaded data 'wraps' and is sorted by depth users might not require the workspace function.

Performance Summary: Sample Master

• Replace the "-" between the sample offset and the sample tool/type etc (all that follows the offset) with a unique character (may be "_"?). This would facilitate cleaning up the sample IDs for publishable data tables.
• Move sample TYPE and TOOL to the end in the sample entry interface. TEST and REQUEST CODE are the most important after the offsets.
• Automatically populating certain SAMPLE TYPES/TOOLS with certain TESTS e.g. if TS is the TEST, TSB under TYPE, SAW_ROCK for TOOL and TS under NAME would populate the cells. This would avoid confusion.
• Being able to edit the sample TOOL (not sure how this would effect the Sample IDs?)

Performance Summary: LIMS2XCEL

• Percentage lithology function is currently not downloading using LIMS2XCEL, and when using DESC2STRATER the Yeoperson must reorganize the columns in order to plot the data in Strater. Neither of these options is suitable for plotting a percentage lithology.
• Some edited data in DESCLogik may not appear as edited in the LIMS2XCEL download. Clearing the old entry in DESCLogik and re-entering the new entry, guarantees the edited entry always appears in the LIMS2XCEL download.
• The LIMS2XCEL interface could be made a lot more user friendly and intuitive.

PALEO PREP/MICROSCOPES

Sarah-Jane Jackett
Paleo Prep Summary
The paleo preparation lab was used efficiently and effectively. The HF fume hood was successfully used by 1 microbiologist. An ethanol naked flame was used successfully by the diatom worker. A wooden sieve mount was made to support the sieve whilst washing samples.
Performance Summary: Paleo lab

• The new pre cleaned slides are actual clean
• Big oven can still be faulty. Could think about replacing it with the small ovens on shore.
• Clove oil is stored in the tray with the stains
• We currently have 2 different quality picking slides (for 18ply and 28 ply). Glue sticks well to the older looking slides but they leach a purple substance. Glue flakes and peels from the newer looking slides. Need to find a new supplier?
• More 1mm thick cover slips are required in the ordering (diatoms and nannofossils) not 1.5mm (too thick for focusing on small specimens).
• We require an accurate weighing scale in the wet lab.
• 2 out of 4 counters were fixed by Dean Ferrell, by removing the rows which were sticking or loose. We require new counters.

Microscope Summary
Microscopes in the microscope lab required very little maintenance this cruise and functioned well. The Axioscope in the mbio lab required significant attention at the beginning of the cruise.
Performance Summary: Microscope inventory (Also see Crawfords report)

• Zeiss Axioscope (in mbiol) has been fitted with a SPOT camera (90760) and adaptor. The Axiocam software license is not valid. For follow up see Dave Fackler.
• We require new slide holders. The current holders are damaged and not perfectly flat. Several attempts have been made to fix them.
• We require better x40 objectives.
• Any parts changed/ replaced by myself or Bill Crawford have been entered in the microscope inventory software so their location is recorded. This includes all changes made to the Zeiss Axioscope in the mbio lab.

PALEOMAGNETICS LAB

Trevor Cobine
Summary:

• SRM Continuous section software performed well, discrete sample software was problematic. Demag section has bugs. 365 runs were done.
• The FlexIT was run at the start of most holes. Because of partial APC strokes, the tool was not used extensively. The tools used worked well with no problems encountered
• Pulled an aluminum pin out of the continuous sample boat. Glued back in with Lords 5 minute epoxy.
• Spare boat had a noisy spot which was removed by light application of 240 wet & dry sandpaper. Alcohol would not remove it.
• Disk drive in SRM host computer changed, computer still makes noises. Probably a fan making noise.
• 15 minute power failure on the 28^th Novenber, the SQuID boxes restarted unlocked. A quick retune and they were OK.
• Agico KLY-4S was used extensively with plastic cube samples.
• Shonsted thermal demag used with plastic cubes up to 275 degrees Celsius.
• Shonsted Thermal demagger fused silica boats, there are only 3 left intact. .

Equipment:

• Discrete sample software; I will discuss with Margaret Hastedt and Dwight Hornbacher (SRM software developer) at the cross over. Problems with the demag section.
• Small internet camera was placed in front of the SQuID boxes and image displayed on the P-Mag workstation so scientists can see readouts.

Projects:

• Rewrite of Velocity Gantry software (not tested)
• Rewrite of the instrument wrapper to be more generic (in development).
• Developed the configuration & instrument classes for the revised generic instrument (in development).
• For Wilkes Land Expedition, developed a 2 computer solution to the problem of the GRA not allowing the MS & PWL to run concurrently. This will be installed and tested during port call with the assistance of Margaret Hastedt and Dwight Hornbacher. They will have to maintain it.

Equipment returned to lab:

• Flexit SmartTool #938 after having the faulty accelerometer replaced.

Other issues:

• Source for the fused silica boats for the Shonsted Thermal Demagger needs to be found, if one exists this equipment is obsolete.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES LAB

Thomas Girgas

SUMMARY:
In general, the Physical Property Laboratory provided an excellent platform to collect high-quality & high-resolution bulk density (GRAPE - in short: GRA), magnetic susceptibility (MS), acoustic sound speed (PWL), and natural gamma radiation data (NGR).
Data at a resolution of 2.5cm to 5cm intervals were collected with automated tracking systems (WRMSL & NGR), and complemented by discrete Moisture & Density (MAD) measurements (on average 1/section), thermal conductivity (on average 1 or 2/core), Automated Shear Vane (AVS, on average 1/section), and acoustic sound speed measured on the PWave Gantry (on average 1/section). A Fall Cone Penetrometer experiment from the Bremen University, Germany, complemented the suite of discrete measurements, to determine static shear strength.
Measurements were performed by four scientists and two supporting technicians during EXP317. Tabulated measurement statistics for each site (status: Dec.28^th, 2009) are appended at the end of this lab report.
EQUIPMENT PEFORMANCE SUMMARY:
In general, all systems worked well compared to the first expedition (see: Tech Report, Leg 320). Issues encountered in the past - for example failures of the NGR transportation system - occurred much less frequently during Leg 317 than in the past.
Other issues still exist, e.g., not measuring GRA, MS & PWL data simultaneously on the WRMSL track, or software issues when advancing a core liner through the same device. The machine still stalls during certain processes, and then requires tedious & time-consuming re-starts of the software and/or rebooting the computer. This has been attributed to a certain MICROSOFT feature ("Install Updates"), which supposedly interferes with the LABVIEW software (pers.comm. with Trevor Cobine).
For NGR data we are still not a 100% certain how accurate a specific core section location is relative to the location of the eight detectors. We also do not understand well right now how exactly edge correction issues affect the data quality, and how these issues can be resolved. This requires further investigation – a process we started during this expedition (pers.comm. with Peter Blum).
The GANTRY system works well, albeit certain improvements are warranted (see below).

Some instrument-specific notes:
1) NGR: Since the NGR is a volume-specific measurement, we only scanned core section segments to a length where sediments filled the entire core liner. For example, if the last centimeter (cm) was not filled entirely with sediment/rock material, we scanned the core section only to that particular point. Some other CAVEATS with the NGR:

• We experienced an unexpected power outage on the ship, which promptly shut down the NGR system within a few seconds – a situation that highlighted the urgent need for an improved power back-up system for the NGR (a new power package is supposedly being shipped to the JR by Jan.4^th for installation prior to EXP318. Pers.comm. with David Houpt).
• As with the NGR RUN software (under CONFIGURATION SETTINGS), the NGR TESTER software currently allows everyone (scientists included) to select CALIBRATION & BACKGROUND files. Both routines should be re-designed in a way to enable the unambiguous selection of the correct files and directories. Preferably only IODP technicians & staff scientists are allowed to perform this task. Right now, this is not the case, and it is rather easy to select the wrong calibration and background files.
• THREE COMMAND LINES to save you time & headaches with the NGR:

During certain calibration runs, suddenly the boat did not respond properly to the EQUIPMENT CONTROL command lines (FIND HOME, MOVE OUT, etc.) In order to correct the boat position, we applied the following command lines (found inside the documents under: +http://shiptest/w/index.php5/NGR_FAQ+ ) within the GALIL application. Start GALIL by clicking on the WSDK ICON on the desktop, and open the TERMINAL window (under the main/top-menu). Type into this TERMINAL window:

• ABO (for ABORT)
• ST (for STOP)
• MO (for MOVE OUT - which requires a manual, mechanical pull or push of the boat into the correct position).

After applying the commands in the GALIL TERMINAL window, the computer must be rebooted, and thereby resets the NGR system to the proper location (Zero-Position of the boat, etc.). The measurements continued without any interruptions thereafter.
2) WRMSL: Overall, the Whole-Round-Multi-Sensor-Logging (WRMSL) worked quite well, and produced an enormous amount of high-quality remote sensing data at a resolution of 2.5 to 5.0 cm. Some recommendations to improve the WRMSL system are:

• For the PWL (P-Wave Logger) an improved calibration protocol includes a new acrylic core of variable diameter. It works better than using the formerly used flat-surfaced acrylic blocks. The transducers are affected by the curvature of the contact surface. So, the curved acrylic core is a definite improvement.
• The torque for the PWL transducers is still too strong, and therefore exerts too much pressure onto the end caps. Even at a torque setting of "0.5", this pressure can result in split-open cores!
• Where possible, all three measurements should be performed simultaneously (i.e., in parallel, not sequential mode). It will increase the speed of the WRMSL measurements, and therefore the core flow.
• One issue occurred with GRA data for Hole U1353B since values were consistently lower than those obtained with MAD (normally it is the opposite: MAD values are higher than those from GRA). After the last calibration measurement (12-20-09) prior to Site U1353B, we reduced the acquisition time from 5 seconds Counting Time to 3 seconds. It is not clear, whether or why this change might have caused this problem, or whether other reasons caused this unusual data behavior. In any case: This phenomenon requires some further investigation and numerical correction of the GRA data observed at Hole 1353B. We currently test a new form of calibration, including an empty core liner besides the GRAPE (Aluminum-Rod/H2O) standard core. We suggest to design & manufacture a new calibration core, which includes one aluminum, one acrylic, and one water segment. The diameters of those materials should not be thinner than the thinnest expected core (probably that of a rotary core).
• At the end of each calibration core, a half-liner piece should be glued in so that bubbles can be trapped behind that barrier ("Bubble Trap").
• It would be very valuable to have the option to associate each H2O-Standard measurement with a corresponding sediment core measurement (i.e., H2O Standard Core measurement being time-&-depth stamped and available through the LIMS QAQC).

3) P-WAVE GANTRY: We calibrated the system with seven acrylic cylinders of variable thickness (10mm to 45mm):

• Similar to the PWL calibration on the WRMSL track, we suggest to design and manufacture a standard (acrylic) core for the GANTRY P-Wave System (X-Axis direction measurement), with the bottom-half of this core shaped like the split core liner, and a step-like flat surface of variable thickness.
• Perhaps it is possible to further improve the GALIL motor and computer software for the GANTRY. It still stalls operation at times, and resetting the system is not straight-forward. This process certainly can slow down the core flow speed.
• It would be good to modify the software to avoid the X-Axis transducers to close without any warning after initiating the P-Wave GANTRY software – an automatic machine maneuver, which can seriously destroy precious core material.

4) THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY: Data were collected without encountering previously reported issues with the power supply (e.g., EXP324). In soft sediments we used the thermal conductivity needle probe (V10701), and switched to the puck-type probe (H10801) once soft sediments turned into hard rock-like material.
Some additional comments:

• Unfortunately, the H10810 puck probe stopped working after only a few measurements when a sample was placed inside the salt water bath, connected with the probe by rubber bands. The probe was barely submerged. Initially, we believed that the probe failure was caused by salt water, but we could not confirm our suspicion. Cleaning the cable contacts & connectors did not reveal corrosive salt-water damage.
• We compared one needle probe measurement with data obtained using the H10819 puck (the probe we continued to use throughout post-damage of H10810). A small hole was drilled into the front of the core liner, and the needle was inserted for a measurement. Therm-Con values obtained with the needle probe were within a comparable range of the puck probe (above 2.0 W m^-1 K^-1).
• We also wanted to find out whether it makes a difference to insert the probe 90% rather than 100% into the sediment, and whether measurements are affected when the needle is close to the core liner. Results from those test measurements highlight that it seems to be better to insert the probe 100%. Calibration measurements for the TK04 probe being fully inserted into the Macor Standard were close to the expected 1.626+-2% W m^-1 K^-1, whereas those obtained with a 90% insertion were consistently lower.

5) MOISTURE & DENSITY (MAD): The MAD station worked very well, and we encountered very little problems overall. We recommend:

• To further improve the software controlling the METTLER Balance system, so that the work-flow is more intuitive and thereby leading from one to the next working step. It takes some time to get into a working routine with the software, but it works well overall. Initial complaints about the system vanished throughout the duration of the expedition.
• Masahiro Nishimura-San (with JAMSTEC, Japan) created a "Magnetic Spoon" to maneuver the Steel/Tungsten standard spheres from their respective wooden box to the pycnometer cell without manually touching the spheres. Do not misplace or loose that spoon – it is brilliant…

• For the PYCNOMETER system we highly encourage to implement a software feedback system after certain important working steps, e.g., to confirm the user per pop-up window "DATA SAVED", and so on. For certain PP applications such feedback "messages" are already established for certain user software interfaces (e.g., for AVS for shear-vane and METTLER Balance).
• We recommend to be loading pre-measured & pre-selected beaker trays (cardboard boxes) in College Station in a way, such that the lowest-numbered beakers are at the top – with the effect when you pull out the top tray first, you end up with the higher-numbered ones in the button tray – a good trick that makes the user's life easier.
• The syringe size was changed from 10 ml (EXP320) to 30 ml (EXP317). Keeping that sample size is good!

• Comparative Pycnometer measurements on standard spheres were conducted regularly on standard spheres alongside the actual MAD measurements on sediment & rock samples to check the accuracy of the measurements. One typical result for the standard spheres for the two TUNGSTEN Spheres 7cc+3cc (Total Volume: 10.199856cc) was:

  	No. Measuring	Average	Stdev	Difference
  Cell 1	11	10.20103	0.016322	0.01%
  Cell 2	16	10.1903	0.067783	-0.09%
  Cell 3	14	10.19292	0.046608	-0.07%
  Cell 4	18	10.16769	0.039426	-0.31%
  Cell 5	11	10.24111	0.073363	0.41%

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  6) AUTOMATED SHEAR VANE (AVS):
  Documentation for this project is found at:
  C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents\AVS Files\Vane shear template.xls (bytw: "VORLAGE" means "Template").
  In addition to the currently existing manual, we created a brief "How To Do" manual, including screen shots and descriptions for each working step. It is available by demand.
  We also suggest:

• To further improve the up-loader software. For example, right now the user must login twice before one can select certain files from the IN-directory. Unfortunately, we cannot modify the clunky acquisition software of the GIESA's shear vane system - which perhaps makes an even stronger argument to improve the user-friendliness of the AVS up-loader routine ¿
• An option for manually entering and correcting certain data entries within the AVS up-loader routine, e.g., "torque", "angle", which are acquired with each measurement. This makes the data acquisition and logging easier & faster for both scientists and technicians.

SPECIAL PROJECTS:
EXP317 provided an opportunity to work with a special Fall Cone Penetrometer device (from Bremen University, Germany), and thereby added useful data & information about the static shear strength of soft sediments. Results from those measurement highlighted:

• Data obtained with this instrument were often similar to those measured with the AVS system, and in many cases revealed lithological changes downhole.
• In a sense, the "Fall Cone Experiment" further justified the use & usefulness of the AVS during this & for future expeditions!
• We recommend to further improve the AVS up-loader software, and perhaps create a 3-min. "How to do" video to instruct future scientists and techs how to use the instrument (bytw: videos of that kind would be very useful also for all other applications).
• In general, the tie-in of AVS data with other high-resolution & discrete measurements is certainly useful to interpret the geology of the upper lithology at each site - at least as long as sediments are soft and moist. Whence the sediment structure becomes too dry and disrupted by cracks & voids, this type of measurement becomes irrelevant.

SHIPMENT & REQUISITIONS:
It is recommended to:

• Ship the H10810, H10403 and H10404 thermal conductivity probes back to THEKA in Berlin, Germany, for a thorough functionality test.
• Install a stronger battery supply and back-up system for the NGR. One is expected to arrive in Wellington for expedition EXP318, which hopefully is more satisfying than the current power package. We all, Tech's, IT's & ET's got quite nervous with this situation....

APPENDIX
TABULATED MEASUREMENT STATISTICS (Status: U1351-U1353, 12-29-09):

ET SHOP REPORT

Randy Gjesvold, Dean Ferrell
Summary:
Ship and labs running well. Toilets and ships AC system could use a bit more work. Just running across minor problems now in the labs.
Downhole Measurements Lab:
Trained on the APCT-3 and the SET tool.
Ran the APCT-3 tool on site 1351A Core 04 Site 1351B Cores 10, 12. Site 1352A Core 04. Site 1352B Core 06, 10, 15 and 20. Site 1353A Core 05.
Ran SET tool on site 1351B Cores 16 and 42. Site 1352B Core 38.
Several of the results were marginal due to the formation and sea conditions.
Cleaned and re greased the casing on the SET Tool.
Re installed boot rack.
Changed over locks on the center bench cabinets to a number 6 lock to keep engineering materials under control.
ET Shop:
Desktop computer ceased to function. IT dept changed out the hard drives and rebuilt the machine.
Updated documentation for lab equipment.
Core Lab:
Installed new faucet on the description table. Procured an adapter from town to make the threads work.
Lights are burned out above the sampling table. There are no replacements bulbs available. Installed track lights as a temporary fix.
Transducers on P-Wave Velocity are showing dirty data. Shifted cables and problem partially cleared. Cleaned out connectors with Isopropyl Alcohol and Q-Tips. Problem Cleared.
Moved speaker from overhead above the sampling station to near the core entry area. Heat sealers don't have the correct filaments available on board. Trimmed down a longer filament and re crimped end as a temporary fix.
The connectors for the Teka Probe for the Thermal Conductivity Meter were contaminated with salt water. All connections cleaned with isopropyl alcohol.
NGR- Core boat delron rod had a stripped out bolt hole. Manufactured a new delron rod with properly tapped out holes.
Boat ran past end of track switch and stuck there. Needed to go into the program and turn off the motor and push it back past the switch to clear the problem.
Digital Thermometer on the P-Wave Gantry not functioning. Replaced battery. Battery had been recently replace but was low.
Core Splitting Room:
Tested out electronics for door activation pads. Stored in DHML fwd shelf. Hooked up Sonic Welder. Technicians working out operation.
Manufactured a shelf to install it on.
Footswitch to Tile Saw was sticking. Disassembled, cleaned activation bar and stretched spring out just slightly. Re assembled. Tests sat.
Double bladed saw was not getting proper water supply. Opened supply valve fully and cleaned out the area where the water tubes attach to the saw shield.
Core splitting saw magnetic stop was calibrated so it would spin down slowly and not instantly stop the saw blade.
Paleo:
Cleaned out rust and corrosion on the contacts and mechanisms inside the Hot Plate. Re calibrated to run at 50C. Still won't maintain a constant heat. New unit on order.
Hotplate in storage was tested and didn't work. Found ceramic element open. Replaced element and unit tested sat.
Two interrupter protect receptacles were damaged during the blackout. These were replaced.
Conference Room:
Moved TV from near the Yeop's office to the conference room and ran a cable to it for TV reception.
Chem Lab:
Extended power cable 3 feet for new freeze dryer.
Replaced fuse in one of the Carver Presses.
X-Ray Lab:
Installed factory upgrade adding a fusible link to the power on switch light.
Thin Section:
Put step up transformer in place but not wired in. Keeping in standby in case there is a call to use the oven as a bead maker.
Installed wiring to the speakers in the overhead.
Barnstad water maker does not shut off when the tank is full. Tank level sensor seems to work but does not shut off watermaker when the tank is full. Swapped sensor with Paleo lab unit to see if problem moves. Problem did not move. Did not find any adjustments in the maintenance manuals. If problem persists will turn over to the next crew.
Gym:
Re set belt tension on the running machine.
Re enforced speed bag mount. Installed speed bag.
Kettler Coach rowing machine pull rope has frayed and broken. No spare parts available aboard ship. Contacted IODP on rather to attempt to repair or replace unit.
Pulled out the Stamina ATS-1400 rowing machine and it doesn't work either. Fan is out of alignment and rubbing on the shield. Disassembled the fan and guard. Installed other spare fan and it quit rubbing. It appears the new fans have different sized center shafts and only particular shafts work on this machine. Stripped useful parts off of the damaged plastic fan for the rowing machine. Stored new fan in the Gym Spares locker in the gym.

U/W:
Assisted assembling the gun cluster. Cleaned and conducted continuity checks of the gun leads.
Ventilation heater burned out during the first part of the trip. New unit is on order and should be installed during Wellington port call.
Fantail:
Applied dry slide lubricant to seismic reel wind slide bars. They were beginning to rust.
Applied dry slide lubricant to the crane cable and chive.
Misc:
Suffered a loss of lab power due to weather conditions Nov 27^th. Damaged several receptacles in the Paleo lab and caused the NGR to loose all of its calibrations.
Manufactured numerous Christmas appliances.
Note:

When the VIT is run it broadcasts on channel 9 on the TV system. This will need to be selected in the IT office to broadcast on the V-Brick system

DOWN HOLE MEASURMENT LAB

Dean Ferrell
Summary:
The APCT3 was run 9 times and the SET run 3 times. The SET and APCT3 temperatures were matched well on the temperature gradients. Shallow water drilling and sandy sediments hindered more temperature runs.
Summary of Temperature Tool Runs

Equipment Performance Summary:
Both APCT3 and SET tool operated fine when coring/hole conditions were good. In holes with shallow water depth, temperature curves captured by either tool tended to be noisy indicating excessive tool movement. On certain temperature runs there are multiple frictional heating spikes followed by small decay curves. It becomes difficult to decide which section of the data to select for curve fitting in TPFit. In these cases several fits were calculated using different "good data" sections of the temperature run. After fitting data from later core temperature runs at deeper depths, it was possible to make a decision as to which fit from shallower runs to use in the archive. This was based partially on which fits best aligned with the temperature gradient of later cores.
Special Projects:

• Dean is in the process of writing PC software to convert binary SET tool data files into human readable ASCII files on the desktop system at a much faster rate than currently possible inside the SET tool.
• Discussions have taken place regarding changing the way DMHL data is uploaded into LIMS. It is proposed that a common uploader for SET, APCT3 and TPFit data be developed. APCT3 data would continue to be linked to the core number in which the tool was deployed, while the SET tool would be linked to the core previous to its deployment. The SET measurement depth would automatically add 1 meter to the core bottom for temperature vs. depth. Also, a stand report will be created to plot temperature verses depth data from the LIMS database.

CHEMISTRY LAB

Yulia Vasilyeva, Mike Bertoli

Summary:

1. The IC intake was clogged due to precipitation in the line.
2. The DA was re-installed in the lab
3. GC3/NGA performed well despite calibration errors.
4. ICP and Alkalinity functioned without significant problems.
5. SR analyzer has been used for the first time since January 2009 and was used throughout the cruise with significant problems. FID ignition failure is a major problem.
6. CHNS performed well, although we ran out of pre-packed reactors.
7. The post-scrubber assembly on the coulometer has been replaced with a more robust housing.
8. The GC2 requires major improvements.

9. The TOC has not used, and is moved to the MBio area.

Support equipment:

1. The uploaders performance improved.
2. The Cahn balance lost its calibration whilst on site due to high seas.
3. Carver presses have lost functionality but remain operational.
4. A new freezer-drier was installed prior to departure and worked well with some minor problems.
5. Hydrogen generator #1 suffered a minor injury and requires attention
6. The digital salinometer needs to be replaced with efficient model.

Maintenance required for the port call:

1. The oil for the vacuum pump at freezer dryer needs to be change.
2. The DA tubing for peristaltic pump needs to be changed.
3. The routing maintenance for ICP needs to be performed.

Type and Number of Measurements
Between the GC3 and NGA, 610 gas samples were run. Between the coulometer, CHNS, and SRA, 1550 samples were run. A table of sample information can be found on the last page.
Equipment Performance

1. Ion Chromatograph (IC)

• The anion system was clogged due to precipitation in the line. Due to the location of the blockage organic solvent rinsing could not be performed therefore a 5% nitric acid solution was applied to flush out the line in the reverse flow direction.
• Initially the anions system (system 1) was not functional. The line was blocked with precipitation in CD detector and in the following coil. The normal rinsing of CD detector was not possible since no liquid flow could go through. Eventually the blockage was eliminated by application of constant negative pressure on "Eluent in" outlet and connected to "Eluent out" syringe with 5% NHO3 solution for 6 hours.
• The blocked coil was replaced with a new one.
• The anion injection valve was almost ruined due to a cross threaded fitting so this was re-drilled and then cleared.

Parts ordered: spare CD detector, spare injection valve and new anion suppressor.
Supplies ordered: vials, caps and septa sets (CM1019).

2. Discrete analyzer (DA)

• DA was re-installed after hardware and software upgrades. In general DA has shown a good performance, except minor issues, which are described in the instrument maintenance book. Requires Yulia

Parts ordered: Teflon coated probes.
Supplies ordered: segments, 2ml sample vials, ethanol (100%), sodium hydroxide (granulated).

3. Gas Chromatographs (GC3/NGA)

• Calibration errors during the transit led to difficulties.
• The GC3 and NGA had carry over, the NGA did not integrate correctly and peak resolution diminished significantly. After replacing the appropriate columns as well as the molecular sieve, the instruments were re-calibrated and performed well.
• A negative peak immediately preceding the methane spike appeared during the final weeks of the expedition. Concurrently replacement of a hydrogen generator desiccator removed said peak.

Supplies ordered: none, however the inventory list requires verification.

4. Alkalinity Auto-titrator system

• Occasionally the software incorrectly titrates acid to a sample. After rebooting, the issue is resolved.
• The water bath shows the temperature 25.5°C instead of 25.0°C - attempts to correct it have failed. However it seems to be a constant error which is fixed by applying a correction factor during the standard calibration.

5. Source Rock Analyser (SRA)

• It was discovered (after communicating with the manufacturer Weatherford) that Air, not O2, should be plumbed to the instrument. This change helped to correct initial FID ignition issues.
• There were also several issues revolving around gas flow through the machine, again effecting FID ignition.
• The pedestal assembly (for loading samples into the oven) would jam and not bring down a sample, so it was rebuilt. The arm loader from the autosampler is jerky, and has sometimes thrown samples instead of setting them onto the pedestal.
• There is a question concerning crucible life, as well as the life of pedestal O-rings; the crucibles are supposed to be replaced annually, though the crucibles have been used extensively during Exp. 317.
• The issues described above have led to a grossly elevated total organic carbon (TOC) measurement beyond that measured by the CHNS and coulometer, sometimes 40% greater. On that note, the scientists have requested that a low TOC standard be provided, to improve low-end TOC calibration.
• Software is problematic for the SR analyzer; the uploader was laden with functionality errors, all of which were addressed by the developers. Additionally, the latest version of SR Analyzer software from the manufacturer was installed.
• The flow path between the FID, water trap and hydrocarbon filter was incorrect. After rerouting the tubing (reversing flow through the water trap), the IR detector was successfully recalibrated.
• The Advanced User Guide was incorrect, at best, regarding IR detector calibration. This document needs significant revision for the IR detector, and possibly for other procedures, alongside the Weatherford Operator's Manual.
• At the end of Exp. 317 the FID has encountered new ignition difficulties. As a temporary solution the FID was manually re-ignited every 48 minutes.

1. CHNS Analyzer
   • The carrier flow reading was exceptionally high during a routine leak check following reactor replacement. The instrument appears to function regardless.
   • The actual number of reactors aboard was significantly lower than was listed on the available AMS checkout sheet, so sulfur determination was eliminated from the sampling strategy (not using vanadium pentoxide greatly increases reactor life).
   • Some "used" reactors were re-used after the sample-collecting chamber was emptied and inserted back into the reactor body.
   • A side experiment to generate copper oxide from our reduced copper supplies was performed. Reduced copper wires were cut down and baked at ~675^oC for ~24h, and assembled into an empty reactor tube. This chem lab-certified reactor was not tested during Exp. 317.

Supplies ordered: pre-filled reactors (CM1058), tungstic anhydride, copper oxide (not powdered).

1. Coulometer

• The silver nitrate post-scrubber assembly broke. A new post-scrubber assembly was made from a pre-scrubber tubeand cap, and a rubber stopper. The new post-scrubber is less prone to breaking than its precursor.

8. ICP

• The ICP had no significant performance issues. Several torches were replaced, as well as the three sets of tubing.
• No new coolant or acid solutions were created.

9. PFT Analyzer (GC2)

• The current setup (method, column, &c) for GC2 did not allow for a reliable quantification of the PFT peak, so contamination became a qualitative measurement.
• Calibration has not possible because peak response differed in response to the same sample, so injection analysis has not repeatable.
• At the beginning of Exp. 317 peaks started to appear without a sample injection. The column was baked and flushed with a methanol solution, which cleared these phantom peaks. The column was later swapped in an attempt to increase sensitivity, without success. Reaching this desired level of sensitivity could require coordination with the manufacturer.

Parts ordered: new column
10. GC-MS
GC-MS was sent on shore at the end of the previous expedition in November 2009 port call at Townsville.
II. SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND ITS FUNCTION DURING EXPEDITION - Specifics

1. Barnstead Reverse-osmosis/Nanopure water purification system.
Both the RO and Nanopure units worked flawlessly, save routine maintenance. All RO system filters were changed on Dec 31 2009. The Nanopure filter cartridge still needs to be replaced.

2. Freeze dryer

• A new freeze dryer was installed during the Exp. 317 port call. Because a proper top assembly (containing all the vacuum connections) was not purchased with it, the old freeze dryer's top assembly was attached. An improper fit meant that a vacuum could not be created, so a makeshift gasket was created. The vacuum reaches values as low as 0.250mbar, while the manufacturer's setting is 0.033mbar. A new top assembly/gasket needs to be purchased.
• The vacuum hose connecting the vacuum pump to the vacuum chamber cracked twice while under torsion. The hose was replaced, and the issue hasn't occurred again.
• The vacuum pump oil is not changed at the end of the cruise.

3. Balances

• The Mettler-Toledo Dual Balances worked flawlessly.
• The Java-based application (for weighing) stopped working during the Exp. 317 port call, so the non-Java-based application was used for the remainder of the cruise.
• The power cable for the Cahn balance fell out of the unit during week 8, so the machine's calibration was lost. Oncoming techs should check this connection periodically. The Java-based application was employed for the Cahn balance during the entire cruise.

4. Hydrogen generators

• The potentiometer on the first hydrogen generator can short out, resulting in its powering off and a loss in hydrogen generation. This needs to be repaired/replaced.
• The second hydrogen generator ran the entire expedition without any problems.

Parts ordered: new cell
Supplies ordered: none
5. Carver press.

• The middle pump leaked oil because it was kept at over 40,000 pounds for too long.
• The auto-jog feature for the two right presses doesn't function, but the presses are still operational.
• The oil in all three presses was changed with hydraulic oil equivalent from Transocean. Additional bottles of oil are located under the bench, beneath the presses. Do not use Duo Seal oil or any other vacuum pump oil.

6. Salinometer
Two salinometers had been used in the chem. lab: optical and digital. The digital salinometer was recognized by scientists as a very inaccurate and dependable on temperature conditions; thereby only optical salinometer was used for the salinity measurement.
The digital salinometer needs to be replaced with better model.
7. Ampulometer has not beed used during Exp 317.

X-RAY LAB

Eric Jackson
Summary:
Expedition 317 was expected to be a high recovery leg but recovery was problematic at the shallow sites and the high recovery was never achieved. The scientists made up for this with high resolution sampling. Many of the samples were hard rock necessitating X-Press crushing prior to grinding with mortar and pestle.
Analyses:
Total XRD: As of December 29^th 365 samples have been processed. 2 more sites to go.
Total Standards: 16
Equipment:
Bruker D4:
The D4 worked flawlessly for the entire leg. Problems encountered were only with data and data sorting of the large sample quantity. The current method requires scanning each sample twice to enter into the jobs menu and each site requires an additional file mapping to direct the files to the correct location. I am working with the developers to have a work list generator software that will enable one bar-code scan for the job file and the data sent to one location like a current expedition desktop folder where the files will then be put into their respective site folders at the end of each hole.
A safety switch bypass was installed per Bruker which basically makes the green power-on light located on the front panel non-operational due to a shorting hazard.
ICP Bead Maker:
Out of Service as of 324
Furnace:
Used extensively by the Chem techs with no issues other than space.
Balances:
Mettler balance was the only balance used and only by chem. tech Vasilyeva. A request by the LO to use Kim wipes beneath the work area when using chemicals was added to the balance area due to unknown chemicals being left on the countertop and as a method for easy cleanup in case of chemical spills. A logbook was suggested. At some point the software crashed and new software is being installed by the developing department.
Freeze Dryer:
Used extensively by Xray and Thin section labs with no problems. Freeze dryer was cleaned and drained and oil changed in the vacuum pump the second to the last week.
Sample Prep:
The shallow sites were comprised of extremely fine clays and there were some air quality issues at times in the thin section/sample prep lab area. I thought the first couple weeks because I had a cold that maybe I was developing pneumonia or something due to a tightness in my chest. It went away when we left the shelf site but came back when we returned to the shelf. My observation was the fine particles from the samples as well as the silicon carbide as fine as #1000 were being airborne by the compressed air nozzles used for drying in the TSlab and there is no adequate suction to remove them from the room rapidly. Some suction occurs with the heat exhaust vents but does not work for heavy particulate. I spoke with the LO and NIOSH approved N95 Particulate respirator masks were ordered as a rapid temporary solution. The dust "nuisance" masks supplied do not offer any protection.
Other Issues:
All the files uploaded to Lims need to be standardized. The Eva pdf should be in CPS and the 2-Theta scale should be represented on the long axis of a 81/2 by 11 layout.

Documentation:
Photos were taken of the Xpress crushing process and have been sent to Karen Graber. I have photos of the cable routing for the D4 and have put screen saved images of important steps onto the XRD doc's folder. The process of updating the XRD manual is proceeding. I kept the standard files ran for future use and put in the desktop XRD documents folder along with the corundum standard.

Detail of detector wiring affixed permanently in position.

THIN SECTION

Kazushi "kuro" Kuroki
Summary:
There were 78 requests for thin section during this expedition. The samples were such as lithofied sediment, sandstone and limestone. Most of the samples were freeze dried and vacuum impregnated. LP 50 has not been used during this cruise because so few samples were requested. Routine maintenance and cleaning was performed as necessary at the end of the cruise.
Equipment Performance Summary:
All of the thin section equipment worked well during this cruise.
Problems encountered
Gus took the PetroThin a part during the port call and we looked at that that drive motor pulley is out of alignment with the spindle shaft pulley several degrees. Two of the motor mounts were squeezed so we applied a hose clump to rubber part of the mount and we adjust the pulley to close to the motor, then put new belt on it. After realign the motor, it works normally but little bit noisy. It needs to check during the port call with Gus.
The water leak from the Barnstead tank was noted previous cruises. The leak was found that from between water level sensor lid and tank. We exchanged the tank level sensor with paleo prep lab. There is no leak from the paleo Barnstead tank but still leak in the thin section one. We are investigating of the leaks.
The corning hot plate was not able to control temperature, ET replace the hot plate and working OK.
Special projects
None
Shipments/Requisitions:
We received O-rings for LP-50, diamond compound, diamond powder, and polishing pads. Also the Logitech parts has received in wooden crate and stored at bottom of stair in the hold deck.
We ordered parts for PetroThin.

MICRO-BIO LAB

Eric Jackson, Mike Bertolli

Summary
The GC2 was the primary instrument used for Exp. 317 in order to determine contamination by PFT and Microspheres. The glove box was used extensively for anaerobic sampling.
Equipment Performance Summary:

• For the cold room, new gas lines and a gas bottle for M-bio gas was installed for use in the glove box. The glove box performed well with no leaks.
• The vacuum pump broke due to salt corrosion and is being rebuilt but awaiting spare parts on order.
• The GC2, what a piece of dookie. There were numerous problems beginning with calibration, software methods, sample analysis, column/machine performance. Several calibrations were required with less than desirable results. The column was replaced and helped for a while. Sensitivity is still not sufficient for quantifying contamination. This needs further attention.
• A Glove bag was used for initial sample preparation prior to the Glove box.
• The Paleolab HF fume hood was successfully used by microbiologist with a 1% HF solution used to disaggregate sample.

Special Projects

• Installation of Mbio gas lines and Mbio Gas bottle mentioned previously. A list of minimum equipment/supply requirements to operate the Mbio lab was submitted to the LO. (see below)
• The microscope was set up for sample specific analysis and worked flawlessly.
• A new black-out curtain was installed in the Microscope area.

Problems/Concerns

• The Cold Room AC drain became clogged frequently, requiring the attention of Transocean engineers.
• The GC2 needs to be addressed further possible with the manufacturer.

The List
Chemicals
Formaldehyde (500ml)
Ethanol (99% lab grade 4L)
Sterilizer (reccomend Amphospray41 or similar) it is used for the glove box where ethanol cannot be used.
Parafin immersion oil for microscope
Sodium Cloride (to simulate marine environment, 5kilo)
Pipas buffer
Supplies
Schot bottles (for autoclave) with rubber stoppers. We have large stock of stopper lids but no stoppers.
1L
500ml
250ml
Large Centrifuge tubes (100ml)
eppendorf tubes (2ml & some 1.5ml)
eppendorf tube racks
Hungate tubes (for vacutainers & cultures)
Filters (millipore) 25mm (reccomend 500min stock)
polycarbonate .22microns (currently have lots of 47mm that are being hand cut to size.

PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST REPORT

Debbie Partain
Summary
Provided administrative support during port calls and throughout the expedition, Maintained communication and provided support to shore-based staff, prepared core descriptions, figures and summary plots, collected volume material for shore-based preparation. Completed SODV internal review of LIMS2Excel, DescLogik, and Corephoto. Worked with Staff Scientist, Core Lab Tech, and Developers to sort out DescLogik and LIMS2Excel export problems.
Strater update:
The shore-based preparation before this expedition made a big difference. Printouts of the cored descriptions were provided the first day that the science party uploaded data into DescLogik. This improved the core descirption because data entry issues were addressed early on.
I created the Strater files, reviewed, and marked the printouts before passing them to Sarah-Jane to review. Sarah-Jane made corrections to the database. We were able to catch most database errors before passing the printouts to the science party.
I made the second round corrections to the database.
1) Lithology percent column- At this time, LIMS2Excel does not work for Lithology percent columns. Multiple lithologies for the same interval have to be exported in the same row. LIMS2Excel stacks them and Strater can not plot this. DescToStrater exports the data in a format that Strater can plot.
2) Age range - described by core, not section (sample type CORE). This avoided the section lines and multiple display of same name in each description. We have to manually adjust the core where the age changes as this was described by section. It is clear on the description where this needs to be edited.
3) Lithology display in Strater - IMPORTANT: your life will dramatically improve if the science party enters the major lithology in the "lithology_principle_name" column. The lithology name must be complete. Example: Nanofossil ooze, Diatom ooze, NOT Ooze. There should be a name in the value list for each lithology that appears in the Methods legend. Major problems can be traced to trying to plot from the "lithology_name" field. The litholgy name field is generated by adding the suffix and prefix to the principle lithology name. This is what creates the massive number of lithologies that we have to try to track/map in Strater. LIMS2Excel has just one selection for the field of export. You can't combine fields, example "lithology_principle_name" and "lithology_modifier_before_principle". DescToStrater can do this.
4) Do not use a Lithology percent column if the science party decides to describe one lithology to an interval. Use format 1 in your LIMS2Excel xml file. This will avoid having to rearrange columns for Strater, shorter lithology name first.
5) Summary character line length - this is determined by the size you have assigned to the summary text. A character length of 145 works with a size 8 pt. text.
6) Summary text export - At this time, the count for the character length does not reset when a hard return is encountered. This will make the first line after a hard return short. This has been reported to the Developer.
7) Structure, disturbance, and accessory columns - additional columns added to separate symbols, additional columns added to each to show range.
8) I added a text note, in red, at the top of each core description that reads "Draft print xx/xx/09". The date has been a great help in version control. This should be included in the each expedition template and removed before we make the final version for the volume.
9) I am also using DescToStrater to get the title, centimeter scale, and core recovery. The plan is to incorporate these into LIMS2Excel.
10) The Desc2Strater core recovery export has been revised to give bottom of core length along with bottom of recovered length.
11) Scanned images: The images need to be color corrected for viewing in the descriptions (not the original images).
12) Track data replaced in the hole summary figures and site U1351B. The unfiltered data was plotted in the remaining core description sites. May be decided to replot with filtered data during pc meeting.
Additional:
Patterns - when pasting a png file from Illustrator into Photoshop, make sure gray scale is selected in the popup window. Otherwise, you will not be able to assign a color to the pattern in Strater.

Problems encountered
Most problems encountered dealt with correcting data in the database.
LIMS2Excel:
1) Multiple versions of data export - has been corrected.
2) Disappearing core numbers and associated data – has been corrected.
3) Data corrected in DescLogik by swiping and changing does not always get exported. Work around is to cancel the data in Desc and re-enter. This is sporadic and has not been corrected.
4) All versions of cores scanned are exported. Work with the Developer to delete bad scans from the database.
5) The Exp 317 scientists scraped and rescanned sections of core. These were tagged as PRISTINE and are exported as the most recent version of the image. We will have to substitute in the original image. I have a spreadsheet with names of the files to be replaced. The scientists are now tagging these as "Other". This will allow the images to be filtered. At this time, LIMS2Excel does not filter images.
DescLogik:
Crashes often when making corrections. The easiest way to deal with this is to limit the amount of data displayed.
Mac server problems- Mac users continue to have problems with copying files to/from the server. We discovered that changing folder and file names on the server, using a PC, contributes to this problem.
Color copier – patterns and lines will not print unless the print driver is correct. MCS replaced the print driver and deleted other versions.

Suggestions for Expedition 318
Get printouts of the core descriptions to the scientists as soon as data is entered into the database. Be proactive in working with the core lab technician and scientists to get the data to display correctly in Strater.
Do NOT manually manipulate data. This creates problems when trying to replicate and correct files for the postcruise meeting.
Send comments about the database applications to the JR Developer account. This is the best way to document issues and to get assistance.
Refer to the core summaries to proof data entries in DescLogik. See ship's web, Science Applications/Coring Summaries. Web Tabular Report will open. Select Core on Deck to see recovery (type in site, hole). Select Core Tracking Sheet to see section lengths and samples.

CURATORIAL REPORT

Lara Miles

Summary:
As of December 29, 2009 there were 26,971 samples were taken for Expedition 317. Of this 7,425 were for routine shipboard analysis and 19,546 were personal samples. The recovery has been better than expected compared to the New Jersey margin cruise of which this one was modeled after.
Type and Number of Measurements
All of the usual shipboard samples were taken (CARB, XRD, ThermCon etc), as well as, MADD on sandstones and limestones. One microbiology scientist also used a very small amount of the HF for her studies.
Equipment Performance Summary:
The core splitter was causing the core to twist creating torque that would snap off the blades. Kuro and Tim made some modifications which seem to be helping but it is something to be aware of. The angled piece of metal is placed on top of the core so that the rollers create an equal force along the core being split.
Only one saw can be used at a time due to the poor distribution of water to the different machines when two are running. The foot pedal on the larger saw does not always work (shut the machine off when pressure is released) but turning the machine off manually caused the water to continue to run. The ETs regularly fixed this.
Problems encountered,
The usual problems like a freezing computer and so on occurred with sample master. At some points in the day it would run so slowly that it was better to just shut it off for a while and try to enter samples later. It also does not handle parameter searches very well and a red "X" will appear in the screen.
Other than blades snapping on almost every core, and the occasional problem with sample master there were no other problems.
Special Projects:
No Special Projects.
Shipments/Requisitions:
Cores: As of now 326 boxes of cores (A&W) are being shipped to the GCR.
Frozen samples: We will have as of now 4 coolers with blue ice and thermometers ready to be shipped to Alain in France and Lipp in Germany.
Hand Carried Samples: If approved Greg Browne will hand carry his one box of samples as he resides in Wellington, NZ.

IMAGING LAB

William Crawford
DIGITAL IMAGING TRACK
Alignment, Color and Density Calibrations – As in Expedition 323, the imaging track proved wonderfully stable during the entire expedition with only one calibration adjustment at the beginning of the Expedition, another midway and a calibration before hand off to the on coming crew.
Image Magik correction -The Image Magik correction necessary to boost the lower densities in post processing was functioning. Cores harvested during this expedition displayed the full gamut of densities, having darker tones and lighter tones presented to the scanner.
As reported in earlier documents, the reproduction of the darker densities provides problems when viewed on un-calibrated monitors and or printed with un-calibrated printers on plain paper.
Discussions were conducted on this issue with the scientists and the developers. Proposed, but not implemented, solutions included a user download of the jpg images with an option to apply several corrections, which would render a better image for on board scientific reports and projections.
Also discussed was the possibility of adding a fourth image type in the database (in addition to the raw, cropped jpg and jpg formats), enhanced by further adjustments and available for such purposes.
Both solutions required more co-ordination and discussion beyond those possible with the shipboard complement. In this respect, I worked with the scientists and developed a Photoshop correction, which they applied as needed for their use.
Imaging monitoring of the archived files occurred daily through a data grab program provided by Stehpanie Zeliate during Expedition 320 and modified further during Expedtion 323. Not a single mis-crop was detected.
Bar code reader- Again bar code reader is problematic and a source of frustration for the operator.

MICROSCOPES
Configuration and alignment- In the first days of the cruise the microscopes were configured and aligned as per the request of each scientist. The new spot cam was attached to the Mbio Zeise Axio Imager, focused and functioning. The OS upgrade compatibility issues remain but the microscope is fully functional in manual mode.
There are some issues with the florescent light source controller. The muli- power settings on the controller don not appear to adjust the output. Attempts to recalibrate with combined efforts of Sarah-Jane and myself were futile. The voltage outputs were at or slightly below manufactures recommended usage. The light output was determined through observation to be correct and the option of bulb replacement was not done. The bulb lasted the entire Expedition.
Overall Microscope Assessment Other than configuring the microscopes for specific needs in the first few weeks after departure, the microscopes required little attention other than cleaning and minor adjustments. An additional SV-8 stereoscope was deployed to provide a workstation for off-hour off-shift use. The condition of several of the slide holders is not up to standards. Worn and sometimes skewed parts result in lifting of the specimen, which causes focus problems.

Close-up still photography
Less than 20 close up images were requested. These were shells and other items that could be removed from the sediment core. The new close-up station location is good. No problems with interruption of workflow due to foot traffic areas were seen.
A system of placing the close-up images in the database has been addressed. Working with Chris Bennight a prototype system is ready for deployment and testing.
No video or still equipment issues were encountered other than an intermittent non-firing of one of the close-up table lights. The malfunction occurred rarely.

Video efforts
My video efforts concentrated on video capture and editing. Through the use of a more portable and versatile video camera, approximately 280 gb of video footage were taken.
Several video pieces of the Teacher at Sea were produced as well as time-lapse footage of the repositioning of the ship at Townsville Australia.
Working with New Zealand GNS Educational Outreach, the ship transmitted 4 gigs of full resolution video footage in multiple 12-second segments over a period of weeks to provide that organization with up-to-date footage on specific activities on the ship for a video promotional effort that is to be ready upon our arrival back in Wellington.
B-roll footage of logging operations were requested and fulfilled.
Near the end of the Expedition a video yearbook comprising choice clips showing the gamut of activities on the ship was produced. This effort resulted in a full hour of viewing. This was well received on board and gave both the scientist and the crew an idea of the activities in each other's worlds that some times are not seen by both.
To date:
279 gigabytes of raw footage consisting of an estimated 450 video clips
159gigabytes of edited footage
39 gigabytes of Raw still Images
The volume of imaging data required per expedition is growing as the need for up-to-date video and still images is realized.
A practical system of backing up this data while on ship and transfer of this data to shore is needed.
Efforts are in process of establishing methods of organizing and retrieving both stills and video images through metadata is underway and will continue on shore.

SYSTEM MANAGER'S REPORT

Grant Banta and Michael Hodge

Information Systems
Summary:
The IT infrastructure performed as intended with minimal interruptions to operations. Approximately 2000 meters of cores were recovered with its associated data. Some operational issues persist, GroupWise WebAccess service frequently hung during early part of this expedition but, ceased hanging. Apple File Protocol on the Novell OES servers continues to present challenges with unique character issues for PC users and refused folder access for Mac users. However, a pattern was discovered concerning locked folder access and a service call was placed to the vendor for a solution. To facilitate faster, better network bandwidth two new VLANs were implement to segregate network traffic.
Servers (Microsoft):

• Completed modifying DHCP server with new IP ranges on Mauna-loa for new VLANs created and implemented this expedition. VLANs 50 & 60.

Servers (Novell - OES):

• Apple File Protocol (AFP) continual problems, multiple outages for this expedition, in each occurrence AFP was restarted via Novell iManager utility.
• GroupWise web access froze a couple of times this expedition. In each occurrence was able to restart with minimal downtime to the users.
• Had one occurrence where Tomcat froze on one of the nodes. The developer restarted Tomcat but, started the wrong version. Had to wait for a break in coring to stop old version and start correct version.
• While following up on another routine call about locked folder access on a Mac, was able to discover a pattern of what might be causing locked folder access for Mac users. Wrote summary outlining the incident and emailed to shore. Shore has opened an incident ticket with Novell.

Servers (Sun Solaris):

• Modified DNS services to accommodate RigWatch user's migration to new VLAN 60 network reconfiguration.
• Plumbed cabling for Sun video and USB ports into HP KVM. Rebooted Pico Sun server and attempted to connect Sun servers to HP rack mounted KVM but, unsuccessful. Working with Sun and HP vendors for a solution. On-going effort.
• Assisted developers in implementing a new web service for rapid viewing of core digital images similar to how Google Earth operates by displaying a tile section at a time.

EVA4000 Storage:

• Need to watch email VOL3, less than 7GB available out of 49GB, purging will free up some space but, think VOL3 may need to be enlarged
• No problems encountered with storage array during this expedition.

Network:

• Currently have two new VLANs. VLAN 50 is used for wireless and VLAN 60 is used for RigWatch.
  • Built a new DHCP table for the wireless users. Wireless use 192.168.140.X IP range.
  • Built a new DHCP table for the RigWatch users. RigWatch uses 192.168.1.X IP range.
• Authentication now enabled on all shipboard network ports.
• The location of our EndRun GPS Time Server antenna may have caused interference with Transocean's Tremble GPS receiver; TO folks lowered our GPS antenna in respect to their receiver antennas. After the move verified that our GPS was online and tracking satellites.
• Installed a WAP in the DP office for Weather and Ice Operational Support for Exp318
• VSAT has dropped off-line four times this expedition, Outages have lasted anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Possible causes may have been due to blockage or equipment hung and not switching to proper tracking dome dish. Outages on;
  • Dec 27^th
  • Dec 13^th
  • Nov 28^th
  • Nov 20^th
• Enabled broadcasts on VLAN 40 so users could see VBRICK data.

Printers and/or Printing:

• Smear Slide Zebra printer installed in Corelab by MAD station for Smear Slide labels, Name = sscore-zeb.
• Multiple efforts on Chemlab-Zebra2 barcode printer to improve barcode print quality, no success, unit swapped and getting a trip to shore for repairs.
• Updated the HP5550 OfficeJet printers with an updated auto duplex driver in iPrint.

PCs Workstations:

• Installed updated SRA & Mettler Balance software on Chemlab PC51554 as requested from scientist and shore;
• ClickOnce applications would not install or work on several workstations;
  • Discovered that the UsrClass.dat file in user profile was corrupted. Renamed the file to UsrClass.dat.old and then logged into daq account which recreated this file. Was then able to install ClickOnce applications.
• Backed up and restored image onto new drive for PMag PC50401 xw4100 PC, old drive was making "I'm about to fail" noises.
• Major virus, worms and Trojan infestation on Internet Café PCs, rebuilt units and severely locked down with Microsoft SteadyState.
• Re-imaged ET PC51588 PC disks due to PC instabilities.
• Swapped out nVidia card out of SHIL-DIS PC90560 and placed back into original PC51568, inserted replacement ATI FireGL V7200 into SHIL system, tested Ok. ATI video card failed on Exp323 and was exchanged.

Apple MAC Workstations:

• After Internet Café PC rebuilds due to viral infestations, for good measure rebuilt the two Internet Café Macs too.
• Upgraded all shipboard Macs to OS-X 10.5.8 and Safari 4.0.4. Discovered browser email web access screen display problem with older version of Safari. Update resolve display problem.
  • Problem was email web access would not update the screen when a message was moved into a cabinet folder
• Discovered some scientists Mac laptops with OS-X 10.6.0 installed would not connect to our OES servers. However, OS-X 10.6.2 would connect. Upgraded requested scientist's laptop as needed.
• Installed Silverlight on all Mac and PC systems. New TAS application requiring Silverlight is BarrelSheeter.

Equipment Repairs:

• Fan belt broke on Auxiliary AC unit to Server Room, Transocean replaced/repaired belt on unit.
• LT51635 Dell laptop (developer's) video locks system, returned to shore.
• VBrick Decoder 51917 unit freezes, display pixilates, returned to shore.
• Zebra Z4Mplus barcode printer, inconsistent print qualities, unable to remedy, returned to shore.
• Dell flat panel 52310 surplus, returned to shore.
• Dell Optiplex 755 PC surplus, returned to shore.
• Samsung Syncmaster 173P flat panel surplus, returned to shore.
• PC51550 HP xw4400, request from shore, returned to shore.
• PC51563 HP xw4400, request from shore, returned to shore.

Special Projects:

• New Scientist Software Installation Consent Form created due to scientist complaints about MCS vetting process. Yeop to hand it out to scientists during portcall before bring their laptops to MCS office.
• VSAT room now has Inmarsat and VSAT phone access, tested and verified, for some reason lost Inmarsat access from ext. 253 since Exp323
• Completed installing memory in all Enterasys N-series switches except for DataVault switch, not necessary for DataVault at this time. Additional memory has been ordered for remainder of switch cards and being delivered next portcall.
• Requested Transocean to install proper electrical outlet in server room, replaced black 208VAC plug with proper UPS orange plug on UPS1-5-1 circuit.

DEVELOPERS REPORT

Stephanie Zeliadt and Chris Bennight.

Summary

During Expedition 317, a few new software systems were implemented to meet ongoing needs and many enhancements were made to software systems and the underlying database on the ship to provide an increased quality of service to the science community onboard.

Projects

1. SampleMaster enhancements
   1. Improved overall performance of loading and displaying sample information.
   2. Added the "DRILLING" analysis in order to capture operations data.
   3. Changed the algorithm for determining cells to update which improvement speed and accuracy of sample data manipulation.
   4. Added an option to the entry screen to refresh data from LIMS (only for developers, curators, and drillers – the drillers need this feature in the shack).
   5. Moved A and W section halves to the top of the section half list in the hierarchy selection and bolded the text.
2. Web Tabular reports and LIMSView implementation
   1. Improved appearance of web tabular reports
      1. Made the data table scrollable with fixed column headers.
      2. Applied summary CSS styles to science data and sample reports.
   2. Fixed errors in the QAQC reports which were preventing some columns from displaying properly.
   3. Added a new reports:
      1. Reflectance data report which bins the results by wavelength, providing a much smaller, more manageable data set.
      2. Hole summary
      3. Core summary
      4. Section summary
      5. Drilling summary (core tech sheet)
   4. Updated the reports to use the component definitions to show/hide and name columns on the reports.
   5. Updated reports to allow searching for a range of cores/sections by entering x-y or a collection of cores/sections by entering x, y, and z.
3. LIMS OnLine (LOL)
   1. {_}{+}http://web.ship.iodp.tamu.edu/tasapps/lol/+_
   2. Created this as a management interface for both the LIMS and related shipboard functionality.
   3. Allows the following LIMS related operations to be performed in a browser based program:
      1. Sample management. View, move, and edit samples in a tree based hierarchical view, will maintaining proper business rules (depths, sample fields, lengths, etc.)
      2. Data management. View and edit (both values and status) of tests and results for analysis. This implements proper support of status change rules so when results and tests are canceled / un-canceled all proper fields are set (a problem we have had previously with everyone performing this operation in a slightly different way). View mode allows grouping by sample, test, replicate, as well as collapsing or spading the columns based on result names.
      3. Database modification request management. This provides an interface to approve/reject/view/manage database modification requests. These requests are entered by other means (web reports, etc.) and allow users to flag samples, tests, and results as having issues and request a modification. After a request is flagged the LOL user can approve (causing the requested action to be taken, reject, or go to data for a more detailed manipulation).
      4. Sample status report which provides a graphical breakdown of current samples, including samples by hole, samples by type, samples by test lists, samples by requestors, and samples by day.
      5. Software exceptions log. This is a viewer for the new error reporting system which captures unhandled exceptions (the crashing kind) and log them with diagnostic information to a database to allow for problem monitoring and hopefully resolution.
      6. Software data log. This is a viewer for the new centralized logging system. Instead of each application writing to its own local log file (or in addition to) applications can now write to a database table via a webservice. This allows support staff (developers, MCSs', etc.) to instantly view the status of all software without having to go to each machine, and should allow for identification of problems before the percolate up to the science party / database.
      7. Printer management. This is a management interface for the new printer management system (label printers). Previously printer configuration was handled on a per computer bases via local xml files. This made it very difficult to implement global changes (new printer names, label updates, etc) and made each application which wanted to print re-implement the print stack. This view allows for printers, labels, and printer groups to be configured, added, and removed from a web interface.
4. LIMSPeak (Graphical web report)
   1. {_}{+}http://web.ship.iodp.tamu.edu/tasapps/limspeak/+_
   2. This is a graphical report for data in LIMS, supporting 6 different plot types:
      1. Sample – this is included on every plot page and displays core advancement, core recovery, and section recovery, whole round recovery plotted vs. depth in a graphical manner, respectively.
      2. Section Photo – this displays a zoomable, dynamic, tile based image control which allows the user to move and manipulate core images to focus on interesting features.
      3. XY Plots – these are plots which display a set of analysis/component data lines vs. depth.
      4. Qualified XY Plots - these are plots which display a set of analysis component data lines based on the values of another component on the same analysis vs. depth.
      5. Lithology Plots – these are plots of percentage recovered lithology vs. depth.
      6. Lithology Percentage Plots – These are plots of the average percent lithology per core.
   3. These reports run in a web browser and are supported on both OSX and Windows machines.
   4. Various options are supported for manipulating and exporting the displayed data sets.
   5. Grouping of different track types are stored as templates, and are currently only programmer configurable.
5. LIMS Uploader (MegaUploadatron5001)
   1. Work on this was based on
      1. Previous MegaUplodatron loader
      2. MegaUploadatron XRD variant
      3. Various core lab variants (SRM, LSIMG, etc.)
      4. C# loader code developed last expedition
   2. Supports a modular analysis plug-in system. No longer required changing the main interface/software to support.
   3. No longer requires configuring for a particular analysis – any uploader can upload any analysis.
   4. Better UI interaction between the uploader and the user (displays additional information about the sample, displays error messages encountered when uploading, etc.)
   5. Support for new analysis types:
      1. CHNS – supports for CHNS instrument, including data review. Supports proper integration with worklists.
      2. SRANL – support for the Source Rock Analyzer. Supports proper integration with worklists.
      3. GC3 – Support for gas chromatograph GC3.
      4. NGA – Support for gas chromatograph NGA.
   6. Modified support for core loggers
      1. Fixed issues regarding instruments. Instrument is now logged under the instrument field in the result and Instrument Group is now logged under the instrument field on the test. The instrument_group component has been deprecated as redundant.
      2. Prevented the logger from updating sample lengths based on the measured length.
      3. Measured length is now stored as a component "observed_length" on the test instead of a OBLENGTH test.
      4. Added in duplication checking based on run file hash – the same file will not upload twice.
   7. Added better logging and exception logging (integration with new error reporting services)
6. Virtual Photo Table
   1. {_}http://web.ship.iodp.tamu.edu/tasapps/vpt/_
   2. Replaces the previous COCOA application
   3. New workflow for generating core table photos:
      1. OLD – User must run a program, select the core, wait for the images to download and build the composite image. User can optionally store the data in LIMS.
      2. NEW – Stand alone process looks for a complete sets of core photo data without a correspondingly current COREPHOTO analysis and, when found, generates the image.
      3. IMPLICATION – users now go to webtabular/Lims2Excel to download
   4. Runs on its' own (currently on the developer desktop box, RF51589) in the background.
   5. Handles updated image sets (will generate a new COREPHOTO if images are added after a previous COREPHOTO was taken).
7. Java balance error corrections
   1. Fixed issue with container ID assignment on mad mass
   2. Added SRANL analysis to balance program.
8. Web services enhancements
   1. Implemented a new streamlined web service to return component values by depth to improve speed of plotting software.
   2. Fixed issue with the update webservice – instead of issuing an update it now issues a cancel and log.
   3. Fixed sample master specific web services to use latest version of resteasy because it was not closing database connections and therefore exceeding the maximum amount.
   4. Added new method to the resteasy-lims-webservice: getPendingTests – this returns all tests for the specific analysis which are of status I or P.
   5. Added the following sample management webservices:
      1. Move Sample – handles moving samples to a new parent, including propagating all sample fields (x_core, x_section, etc) and handling proper parent length updates (if depleting samples, i.e. whole rounds) are moved)
      2. Move Test – handles moving a test and all associated results to a new sample.
      3. Move Result – handles moving a result to a new test.
   6. Fixed issue regarding tests not completing via the LogResultArray2 method call when explicit replicate values were called out.
   7. Resteasy-audit – webservice which contains functions to log the reasons for an action.
      1. Currently attached only to the LimsONLine management application.
      2. Writes to tables: samplelog, testlog, and resultlog determining when a change was made, what change was made, and why it was made. For example "user Bob changed the result to 5 from 4 on December 15^th for the reason "I multiplied by the wrong factor in calculating results"".
      3. Nothing currently consumes these webservices
      4. Subject to change based on continuing development (test implementation).
   8. Resteasy-Error-Reporting – webservice which serves as a sync for error and instrument data reporting
      1. Currently serving as a sync for many applications
      2. C# libraries included in IODPUtils (IODPWebserviceTraceListener.cs, UnhandledExceptionDialog.cs)
      3. Currently only consumed by LimsONLine
   9. Resteasy-Printing – webservice which handles the new printing services.
      1. Has a method to query available printers, labels, and printer group.
      2. Has a method to add and update printers, labels, and printer groups.
      3. Has methods to enable printing of labels based on preformatted text as well as sample identification.
      4. Currently used by LimsONLine, Bulk Printer, and SampleMaster
9. Database enhancements
   1. Fixed database triggers so that it cancels old depth results and insert new ones on update of test result offset.
   2. Added a check to depth mapping function that skips the mapping function when the source and destination depth map are the same and thus greatly improving performance where this is called.
   3. Updated component definitions for web reports
      1. Updated the reportable field to make some fields not show.
      2. Updated the alias names to make nice reportable names.
10. XBob enhancements
    1. Modified xbob to work with new drilling systems layout
    2. Added UI functions to indicate the current status and data screen location configuration.
    3. Added logging and error reporting service hooks
11. Thermocon enhancements
    1. Made UI more user friendly (auto-focus of mouse and auto-fill offset).
    2. Changed to rename files and content based on core/section being measured to reduce user error.
12. Deep Zoomer
    1. {_}http://web.ship.iodp.tamu.edu/tasapps/deepzoomer/_
    2. Created new tool to generate tiled image sets.
    3. Tool runs as a standalone process updating every 30 minutes
    4. Currently runs on the dev ship computer
    5. Pre and post generation images are stored locally on the computer and the post generation images are synchronized with web.ship.iodp.tamu.edu/tasapps/imagetiles (which is a hard link to the /imagetiles/ directory under the ASMAN catalog <- handled by the MCS's) via a WinScp script.
    6. Image tiles are currently used by limspeak, but can be used by any application.
    7. Creates 2 additional metadata files in the root directory for each hole – image.xml and metadata.xml. These files contain additional information about the sample used to generate the tile sets.
    8. Software queries the EXPEDITION lims constant from lims and uses that to determine which holes to process.
    9. Only updates new data – uses the local cache to determine which data is new.
13. Coulometer
    1. Upgraded to Labview 8.6 (8.5 wasn't available)
    2. Changed SQL queries to only select mass results from the coulometer tests (was logging data on CHNS or SRANL analysis at times)
14. Desc2Strater
    1. Modified Recovery Report values and terminology to use the latest syntax for advancement, etc.
15. Desclogic
    1. Added the ability to cancel tests, results from within the software
    2. Added the ability to reassign tests to new samples
    3. Modified to use the x_curr_len to determine what the current sample length is (in order to take into account whole rounds)
    4. Added the ability to filter samples by x_test_list
    5. Fixed bug where sample ranges where not applying to the correct sample type.
    6. Fixed issues where depth validation was not working in all cases, causing extra red boxes to appear.
    7. Clicking on a row will now automatically propagate the current sample information
    8. Added sample range wrapping to the download (contiguous descriptions will now be represented as a range on a single row)
16. Core Photo Request Management
    1. _http://webserv.ship.iodp.tamu.edu:8080/closeuprequest/_
    2. New software to help manage core photo requests
    3. Has two components:
       1. Web Interface – allows anyone to log a core photo request
       2. Photographer Interface – Java application which allows the photographer to print out, manage, and fulfill the worklist. Specifically they can click on a request, browse to an image, generate a virtual label in a photographer configurable location on the photo, and then upload it to LIMS.
    4. Gets all the closeup requests back in LIMS/ASMAN (under the CLOSEUP analysis)
17. Bulk Printer
    1. {_}http://web.ship.iodp.tamu.edu/tasapps/bp/_
    2. Modified to use new reasteasy-printer webservices.
    3. Automatically updates when new printers are added (As well as labels, etc)
18. Laser Profiler
    1. Added LASERPROFILE analysis which uploads (as text files – raw and processed) data files produced by the SHMSL track.
    2. Added processing piece which takes these files and filters the data to reduce the density without effecting the overall information – to produce a manageable data set for the entire hole.
    3. Currently not officially in production – pieces are in place but waiting for consensus.

Problems Encountered and things to watch out for

1. Had to restart sampling-services weekly when users would log in and not get the screen for their role (Edit tab not present and only Sample Table entry). Should be fixed now, but can be fixed by clicking Reload on the sampling-services row of the Tomcat Manager page.
2. Mettler Balance application stopped working constantly due to writing invalid data to some of the properties files. Was constantly requiring replacing the properties files with known good copies. The old Mettler Balance program was installed as an alternative as these balances do not need to communicate with lims (in the chemistry and x-ray lab).
3. Various issues with user profiles and clickonce updates. If you get into a case where updates do not seem to be taking effect the best course is to uninstall all clickonce applications, then go to the clickonce folder (/Apps/2.0/ under user profile) and delete all click once apps then reboot. This forces a clean baseline.

UNDERWAY GEOPHYSICS LAB

Kristin Hillis
Data Summary
Expedition 317 consisted of 6 transits, 4 sites, and 13 holes.
Transits:Townsville → Wellington (to pick up special fuel in preparation for Exp 318)
Wellington → U1351 (CB-03B)
U1351 → U1352 (CB-04B) (DP mode transit)
U1352 → U1353 (CB-01A)
U1353 → U1354 (CB-02A) (DP mode transit)
U1354 → Wellington
Sites/Holes:U1351A/B/C holes (C dedicated logging hole)
U1352A/B/C/D holes
U1353 A/B/C holes (C dedicated logging hole)
U1354 A/B/C holes
WinFrog 1 was the primary computer used to collect navigation data. The 3.5kHz was run on all transits, and the 12kHz was also run on the transit from Townsville to Wellington and the site U1352 to the U1353 (96m) to ensure an accurate water depth.
Equipment Performance Summary:
Trimble/Ashtech GPS
The Trimble was the primary GPS used for the duration of Expedition 317. No problems were encountered. The Ashtech GPS served as a backup.
Gyro
The gyro from DP was used throughout the cruise without any problems. The problem of erratic mouse movement still lingers, but a reboot of the computer solved the problem.
WinFrog
WinFrog 1 was the primary computer used for Expedition 317. No crashes were observed, but there was a problem when completing the first site fix of the cruise. After loading the DAT files and specifying the time period for the average as usual, nothing would plot. Following several failed attempts, I tried doing a site fix from DAT files from Expedition 323 and 324 with the same result. Puzzled, I spoke with Lisa Crowder who suggested moving the WF dongle to WF2 and doing the site fix-it worked. This meant something was wrong with my config file. I loaded an older config file, updated the map, waypoints, etc, and the position averaging feature worked, but the longitude was off by 15 degrees. After some more troubleshooting, I found my 'new' config file did not have the correct geodetic zone selected. After this was sorted out, there were no more problems with site fixes.
Bathy 2010
On 27 November 2009, the ship lost power due to a sudden wind change and all the power being directed to the thrusters. WF1, WF2, and Seismic computers rebooted without a problem. Bathy, however, initially had a "Sensor State: Flash Failure" status after rebooting. After a second reboot, the sensor state returned to "Idle" and all worked well when we started pinging to the second site.
I continued to have problems playing back SEGY files. Some of the files would playback properly, while others caused the computer to crash. I uploaded some of the files to SyQwest's FTP site for assistance and Russell informed me that a new version of Bathy 2010 software and firmware was being tested and would be ready by the first part of December. They believe this new software will solve the problems we are currently experiencing. After not hearing back, I enquired again on 15 December. The release was still not complete, but they have been provided with IODP's FedEx number and Brad Julson will hand carry the CD if it arrives in College Station before 29 December. As of now, I will still use the 'Tools→convert to SEGY' on the Bathy system to convert ODEC files to SEGY files.
Also, a new glitch that I observed on the transit to the final site was the scale on the normal zoom being off by 125 meters. The bottom lock zoom displayed the correct scale, but despite checking if a draft number had accidentally been added, reboots of the system, and searching other parameters, I could not get the scale to read correctly. I've taken a screen shot and sent it to SyQwest, but this occurred in the last week of the cruise and may not get a response prior to the end of 317.
 
EPC Recorders
The recorders were not utilized on Expedition 317. Some testing was done to get the Bathy 2010 data to print to the EPCs, but was unsuccessful. We were able to get a flashing 'data input' light and Channel A and B would lockout, but an error message always appeared on the Bathy computer. We were able to print the noise during a seismic 'test' utilizing the UW Watch program.
Also, I have found Bathy 2010 data can be printed to the user room plotter if needed using SB Interpreter on the Seismic computer. The SB Interpreter guide found at C:TritonSoftware\Documentation\SB-InterpreterGuide is very helpful, but somewhat long and tedious to go through. I've made a quick and dirty one page guide (on the Seismic desktop and UW share folder) with the steps to view and print data, as I used the software so rarely and forgot the steps. Keep in mind this guide is only to the extent I have explored the software and should be added to in the future.
Misc
I noticed about three weeks prior to the end of the cruise, it was rather cold in the lab. The thermometer usually hovered between 65°-70°F and the thermostat didn't seem to warm things up. I did some inquiring and found that the heater in UW had gone out and could not be repaired until portcall. I have been assured it would be working for Expedition 318 (I hope so, because my fingers are freezing as I type this!)
Also, the 'Big Eyes' binoculars (large silver box) are being stored in UW against the port wall, under the G-gun cluster mounts.

VSP
No VSPs were conducted as of writing this (26 December 2009), though there is still a possibility of a VSP in the last week of the expedition. The gun cluster was assembled, but never deployed. See Fantail report.

Items Ordered/Received
Items received at 317 portcall:
2 qty USB to 2-port serial RS-232 Converters
9 qty 6ft Null Modem female-female cables
1 qty 4 port USB to RS-232 adapter
Items ordered during 317:
Replacement O-rings for 2X G gun cluser firing cables (see Fantail report)
25 pin RS-232 printer cable to replace ribbon cable going to EPC

FANTAIL

Kristin Hillis
Summary
The 2X G gun cluster was assembled at the beginning of the cruise for deployment. However, no VSPs were conducted due to hole instability as of writing this report (26 December 2009).
Special Projects
As VSPs were planned for each site, all IODP technicians received marine mammal training and worked with the 'Big Eyes' binoculars in preparation for marine mammal watches.
A 'tool box' meeting was held prior to beginning a VSP, which included the Lab Officer, IODP technicians on mammal watch, the crane operator, and involved deck hands to review the process and safety protocols.
Problems Encountered
A few of the O rings on the firing cables were found broken. They were replaced with the O rings on the spare cables. Replacements have been ordered in 317 requisition #6.


Misc.
The missing dividers and 10 points and Gerber scales mentioned in the 324 tech report were found in the UW lab. They are now stored in the top drawer of the map case.
The foundation for the Magnetometer used on Exp 324 has been removed.

ENGINEER'S REPORT

Dean Ferrell
Summary:

• Driller's PC Locking up occasionally
• Core Line Depth Video overlay working with occasional issues
• New pipe counter sensor need to be installed
• No VIT depth overlay
• Tracer Pump Control Changed

Equipment Performance Summary:

• Driller's PC Locking UP
  • There have been several complaints from the drill crew about the Drillers PC occasionally locking up for up to a minute. Consensus is that the RigWatch program needs to be re-installed on the Driller's PC. However, due to the nature of this PC only CanRig is authorized admin access. For this and other reasons, another touchscreen PC has been purchased by IODP. This PC however doesn't have a parallel port capable of running the RigWatch Dongle.
  • Use of the new touch screen PC as a remote desktop for a desktop PC running rigwatch is being considered. This way the actual drillers PC could be located in the server room or other location with direct control from the Drill shack, thus eliminating the need for a parallel port on the touchscreen.
• Core Line Depth Video over lay
  • Xbobber software polls the Veeder-Root counter for core line depth data parses and formats the response and transmits this depth to the xbob device located in the core deck network locker which overlays depth on the rigfloor video feed.
  • Communication to Veeder and Xbob is via virtual serial port using startek lan to serial device.
  • To bring this core line depth into RigWatch, we used software called "Serial Port Splitter" to share a common serial port. Veeder Simple Listener dll was used in RigWatch to listen on the Veeder com port.
    • Serial Port Splitter must be run 1^st then Xbobber and then Rigwatch inorder for the port to be shared properly.
• Startek devices occasionally stopping
  • There were some issues with the Startech devices seeming to stop working at time. We believe this has been resolved, but there are several tools to help in troubleshooting this issue
    • Use a web browser to connect with the starteks and check if they are active. They will only be active if one of the programs is connected to it such as xbobber or Rigwatch. Startek devices are named veeder, pump and xbob
    • Check in the StarTek device control software for device activity
• Tracer Pump control has been changed so that setting tracer pump rate is proportional to measured mud pump strokes. This is accomplished in the advanced formula for tracer pump rate.
• Remote Desktop verses RAdmin
  • We have begun using Remote Desktop to Access the Master RigWatch computer as well as remotes. This can be used from any PC on the ship network. Some remotes may need to have remote desktop activated and remote user added for access.
  • Connect to RigWatch master as follows:

Special Projects:

• New touch screen PC
  • No USB dongle
  • Possible use as remote desktop
• Core Line Depth
  • Serial Port splitter
  • Xbobber
• VIT depth
  • RigWatch Veeder simple listen, cannot differentiate between the two veeder counter data. I suggest that if the VIT depth needs to be collected in RigWatch, that the data for VIT and Coreline depth is passed into RigWatch via serial port listener or WITS. In this case Xbobber would need to be modified.
• Vidmar Locks
  • New locks and keys have been ordered to secure the couple of cabinets used by engineering.
• IT moved the RIS PCs and devices to a new virtual LAN for a more efficient network. They also created a DNS for the VLAN allowing users to connect to devices using a name rather than IP address.

Shipments/Requisitions:

• New Pipe Counter sensors on order
• Locks/keys for Engineering vidmar Cabinets on order