Split-core MST

The current MST aboard the JOIDES Resolution has been successful for applying core-core integration to ensure near-complete recovery of the geological record. It has provided GRAPE, PWL, magnetic susceptibility, and natural gamma measurements. Integration of these data has been pivotal in contributing substantially to current models of recent Earth System processes. Development of a split-core multitrack (SCT) system would allow additional data sets such as color spectrum, vane shear, or digitized information to be made available. A recent "digital core imaging and future core description" workshop, wrapping up ideas and proposals from various JANUS user groups and JOIDES panels, has indirectly addressed the issue of an SCT. The group's consensus was that digital imaging should happen in an SCT framework. Whatever the color-imaging system will be (an RFP with detailed specifications, in preparation), such a track would also offer the opportunity to add proven and relatively inexpensive devices, such as a magnetic susceptibility point sensor and a gamma-ray densiometer.

[UPDATED August 20, 1996]

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