IODP

doi:10.2204/iodp.sp.349.2013

Site summaries (continued)

Site SCS-3E

Priority: Alternate
Position: 14°50.202′N, 117°19.956′E
Water depth (m): 4291
Target drilling depth (mbsf): 605
Approved maximum penetration (mbsf): Basement + 100 m (Estimated total depth = 605 mbsf)
Survey coverage (track map; seismic profile): Bathymetric sketch and site track map (Fig. AF10) Deep-penetration seismic reflection:
• Primary line: BGR08-124 (CDP11527) (Fig. AF16)
• Crossing line: SO49-017a (CDP8298) (Fig. AF17)
Objectives: Alternate for SCS-3G
• 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
Drilling program: 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 605 mbsf
Downhole logging program: • Triple combo
• FMS-sonic
Nature of rock anticipated: (Calcareous) mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, basalt