Location: Middle Valley, Juan de Fuca Ridge, northeast Pacific Ocean
Priority: 1
Position: 48°26.517'N, 128°42.651'W
Water Depth: 2420 m
Sediment Thickness: 250 m
Total Penetration: ±50 mbsf
Seismic Coverage: Multichannel Line 89-14
Objectives: Sample the principal area of hydrothermal activity in Middle Valley to test the subsurface inflation model of hydrothermal mound growth.
Drilling Program: APC/XCB/MDCB on top, flank, and periphery of an actively venting hydrothermal mound.
Logging and Downhole Operations: None
Nature of Rock Anticipated: Semimassive sulfide and hydrothermally altered hemipelagic and turbiditic sediment.