IODP Expedition 346 Scientific Prospectus

doi:10.2204/iodp.sp.346.2013

Risks and contingency

The principal operational risks identified for this expedition include

Shallow water coring (at proposed Site YB-1);
Weather. Although the expedition has been scheduled take place in late summer, which is the optimum weather window, severe weather (e.g., typhoons) may still occur and could adversely impact operations;
The presence of gas-prone sediments at some sites and depths leading to a potential for core expansion on deck. Moreover, potentially high H₂S contents may require degassing of the cores on the catwalk after they are recovered;
Alternating lithologies that may lead to hole instability;
Commercial fishing operations and normal marine traffic; and
An extremely ambitious operations plan for the time available. Good time management will be extremely important to mitigate this risk.

All of these factors may affect coring and drilling operations.