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doi:10.2204/iodp.proc.307.204.2009

Methods and materials

This study is based on sedimentologic, mineralogic, and geochemical analyses of the sediments from Hole U1317A that cover Challenger Mound (Figs. F1, F2). The facies description is based on optical microscope and environmental scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (XL 30 ESEM, FEI, Eindhoven) investigations on 21 samples that cover the whole range of facies of Challenger Mound. Sample horizons are shown on the columnar section of Hole U1317A (Fig. F2). We used the limestone terminology proposed by Dunham (1962) and later modified by Embry and Klovan (1971), which is appropriate for the sediments drilled during the expedition (see the “Expedition 307 summary” chapter). In order to quantify the sediment compositions, lithologic and biologic components were identified at ~300 points on a thin section of each sample. Mineral phases were identified by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry microanalysis (DX4, EDAX, New Jersey) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) (D500, Siemens, CuKα, 40 kV, 30 mA) analyses on 19 samples. Organic matter contents of 17 samples were obtained by using an oil show analyzer at the University of Paris 6, according to the method described by Espitalié et al. (1985a, 1985b, 1986). This technique gives a rapid determination of type and amount of organic matter (terrestrial versus marine) as well as its maturation and preservation state.

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