Priority: 1
Position: 66°59.91'S, 78°29.16'W
Water Depth: 3850 m
Sediment Thickness: 1500 m
Approved Maximum Penetration: 700 m
Seismic Coverage: Explora Line AI95-135A
Objectives: The objectives of Site APRIS-02A are to:
1. Sample the deeper part of the stratigraphic section not drilled at Site APRIS-01A.
2. Obtain a high-resolution history of Antarctic Peninsula glaciation for the last 6-10 m.y.
3. Determine the onset of drift formation by sampling the base of Unit M4.
Drilling Program: Single APC and XCB to the base of Unit M4 (at ~550 m) where upper
section is thinner. A RCB hole may be necessary if the XCB system fails to reach the depth
objective. This site is offset by ~50 km from main Site APRIS-01A. Offset will be required if
stratigraphic control is seriously degraded below silica diagenetic BSR at 600 m at main site.
Alternate Sites: APRIS-04A and 06A.
Logging and Downhole Operations: Standard suites IPLT-DLT and FMS-sonic, plus GHMT.
Vertical incidence VSP.
Nature of Rock Anticipated: Alternating (interglacial) biosiliceous clay and (glacial) laminated
barren gray clay, becoming claystone downhole.
