Proposal for Scientific Drilling in a Volcanic Area Adapted from Information by Montana Technological University A team of international scientists, including Associate Professor of Environmental Chemistry Dr. Alysia Cox at Montana Technological University, is planning to submit a proposal to drill into a volcanic region in New Zealand. The goal is to gain insights into the volcanic, seismic, chemical, and biological composition of volcanoes worldwide. The team will identify the best location for drilling and to avoid areas of cultural significance to the indigenous Māori people. Silicic caldera volcanoes present a complex system characterized by major volcanic and seismic hazards, as well as dynamic hydrothermal and groundwater systems supporting a rich but largely unexplored subsurface biosphere. Unraveling the connections and feedback among these factors demands a multidisciplinary approach combining surface and subsurface observations, facilitated by scientific drilling. The CALDERA (Connections Among Life, geo-Dynamics and Eruptions in a Rifting Arc caldera) project aims to collect cores, geophysical logs, in situ stress measurements, and downhole fluid samples along with providing long-term borehole access for monitoring. Borehole data will be interpreted in the context of local- and regional-scale surface datasets. To better understand the volcanic area, the team proposed drilling two boreholes. The shallow hole would be around 650 feet deep and focus on collecting specimens for scientists to study the biosphere and groundwater. The deeper hole would be 3200-4900 feet deep, providing insight into volcanic stratigraphy, tectonic, hydrology, and physical rock properties. By drilling both holes, scientists could gain valuable insight into the geophysical hazards associated with volcanic areas. The modest temperature and depth targets facilitate the use of conventional drilling materials and a large suite of downhole logging measurements, downhole fluid sampling, installation of optic fibers for monitoring, and other long-term observational instruments. Extended leak-off tests will be run at casing points for in situ stress measurements. Packers for permeability and in situ stress measurements will be deployed if the temperature is within operating limits. An online gas monitoring system during drilling and transient well tests will also be used. CALDERA would serve as an unprecedented model system to understand how and how quickly the subsurface biosphere responds to geologic activities. The CALDERA workshop supported by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program refined the scientific goals of the project idea and confirmed that scientific drilling is required to address these globally important science and societal goals. The Okataina Volcanic Centre (OVC) is an excellent setting to conduct the project, and they have articulated how findings at the OVC would be applied elsewhere. The workshop attendees reinforced the importance of studying the volcanic, tectonic, hydrological, and biosphere processes in connection rather than in isolation. GEOTECH Congratulations to: John Crowell Crowell Drilling Co., Inc. Louise, TX Winner for December! Time for a Little Fun! December Puzzle Solution: Win a prize! Send completed puzzle to: WWDR PO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 fax: 850-547-0329 or e-mail: michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com SUDOKU 32 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY with your favorite puzzle!
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