Priority:
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Primary
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Position:
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15°22.548′N, 117°0.0′E
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Water depth (m):
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4213
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Target drilling depth (mbsf):
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1061
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Approved maximum penetration:
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Approved to basement + 100 m
(Estimated total depth = 1061 mbsf)
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Survey coverage (track map; seismic profile):
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Bathymetric sketch and site track map (Fig. AF10, AF11)
Deep-penetration seismic reflection:
• Primary line: 973SCSIO01e (CDP59300) (Fig. AF12)
• Crossing line: SO49-017a (projected at CDP10867) (Fig. AF13)
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Objectives:
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• Determine the age of the East Sub-basin
• Date the timing of seafloor spreading cessation in the South China Sea
• Test if the East Sub-basin formed in an area floored by older oceanic crust
• Measure magnetization, mineralization, and geochemical compositions of basement rocks
• Obtain basement rocks to ascertain the causes of sharp magnetic contrasts between different sub-basins
• Study the paleoceanographic response to the opening of the South China Sea
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Drilling program:
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Hole A:
• APC to refusal with nonmagnetic core barrels, core orientation (FlexIT tool), and APCT-3
• XCB to refusal
• Drop FFF
• RCB with nonmagnetic core barrels to 1061 mbsf
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Downhole logging program:
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• Triple combo
• FMS-sonic
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Nature of rock anticipated:
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(Calcareous) mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, basalt
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