Welcome to the SAFOD Phase III Core Sample Request Site
The goal of the SAFOD Sample Committee (SSC) is to provide for an equitable and efficient distribution of samples, to maximize the return of scientific results, and to conserve a portion of the core for future work. The second cycle for requests of SAFOD Phase III core samples will begin February 9, 2009, hosted on this website.
Because several new tools have been developed to make the request cycle easier and to allow more collaboration between PI's, each PI group is requested to register and renew all sample requests using the new registration forms linked below. But, before you do that, please review the material on this page to familiarize yourself with the complete request process, because it has changed from cycle 1. For the second cycle, we have devised a two-step process, in which initial sample requests must be made by 28 Feburary 2009. After that date, PI's will have the opportunity to view all sample requests and revise the requested locations of their own requests. At this stage of the process, the SSC encourages PI groups to communicate with each other to maximize the use of each section of the core.
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I. History
About one year ago, the investigators of the SAFOD project began a process for the distribution of samples from the phase III core recovered from the San Andreas fault. The purpose of this memo is to update the scientific community on the progress of the first distribution and to outline the schedule and procedures for the second cycle of requests for samples from the SAFOD phase three drill core. Following is a brief summary of the distribution, and a timeline for submission of requests for the second cyle.
Aproximately 190 samples were distributed to 18 investigators/groups over the past year by IODP personnel, headed by John Firth. Because the nature of the core was so unique, new procedures had to be developed for both the distribution decisions and for the sampling protocols. Some difficulties in sampling were anticipated (and encountered), and so, sampling of the portions of the core that were not well-indurated were not attempted.
The SSC has established a group to investigate and develop sampling procedures for that material, to be chaired by A. Kronenberg of TAMU. The SSC will await the results of that work before distributing samples from those sections. In addition, two groups are now conducting interlaboratory calibration programs for those investigators who are proposing measurements of physical properties, including measurements of permeability, fracture strength, electrical resistivity, and frictional strength. More information about the interlaboratory calibration effort can be found at the request website http://www.geosc.psu.edu/~cjm/safod/ or by contacting Chris Marone, Pennsylvania State Univeristy, ChrisMarones.email@cowuniversity , or David Lockner, USGS, Menlo Park, David.Lockner@usgs.gov. Principal investigators who request samples for physical properties measurements will be expected to participate in the interlaboratory calibration before being sent phase III samples.
II. Current Request Cycle:
For the second request cycle, Earthscope and SAFOD personnel have developed several new tools and a new submission form to help expedite requests and to encourage collaboration amongst PI's. The tools will be rolled out in February for use by both new and current investigators. The submission process will begin on February 1 and conclude with a new distribution of samples beginning in late April or early May.
1 February 2009: Core viewer with samples distributed ready for use
New and current PIs may access a core-viewer tool that shows the samples that have been distributed in the first request cycle at http://www.earthscope.org/data/safod_core_samples . The position, type of sample, and PI is indicated for all samples distributed in the first round are shown on the core image. Investigators are encouraged to consider the previous distribution when they plan new sample requests so as to maximize scientific output. We also encourage PI's to communicate with each other to maximize the scientific return on each sample, especially when new work may be done on cycle 1 samples.
9 February: Registration of PI groups and submission of Cycle II core sample requests
Both current and new PI groups must register on the registration form http://prototype.earthscope.org/data/safod_registration. Registration is required before the sample request form is activated. Please notice that each member of a PI group who wishes to have individualized access to this system must register. Registriation includes the option to request membership to existing PI Groups. Current PIs should renew (resubmit) their requests for samples that were not distributed to them in the first round. The submission form has entry points for a discussion of the current results obtained on the first round samples. The discussion does not need to be lengthy, but should give enough detail to indicate the state of your research. Members of the interlaboratory calibration groups should also describe their activities. The SSC will consider the responses to these questions when they evaluate the cycle II requests in April, 2009. Further guidance for filling out the sample request forms is given in the sample request form link here.
9 March: Submission of New Cycle II core sample requests closed
All New requests for core samples to be taken in second cycle must be submitted by this date. PI's will be still be able to edit all cycle II sample request submitted prior to the date.
10 March: Core Viewer Tab displays all Cycle II sample requests and continues to allow location digitization for submitted sample requests
In addition to displaying samples taken information in Cycle One, the Core Viewer Tab available in the Core Sample Request Site will display data and the location of all Cycle II sample requests, along with the identity of the PI/PI Group who submitted the request. Investigators may change (redigitize) the position of their requests utilizing the 'Digitize Sample Request' option in the Core Viewer Tab. This will maximize the efficiency of sampling, improve and integrate the knowledge base, and aid in the development of new collaborations. Additional requests for core samples Will Not be entertained at this time.
9 April: Second round request cycle closed
All modifications to submitted requests must be finalized by this date. All online editing functionality will be disabled. View-only capabilities will remain available in the Core Sample Request Site indefinately.
9 April: SSC begins deliberations for second distribution
1 May or earlier: Second round of sample distribution begins
All requestors will be notified of the sample distribution by email. PI's may contact John Firth at IODP to begin the distribution.
III. Information about the SAFOD sample committee (SSC):
Requests for SAFOD core and cuttings samples will be entertained approximately every six months according to established target dates posted annually on the EarthScope and ICDP websites. The next target date is February 1, 2009. Requests received and and made available to the SSC and to the NSF will be reviewed. Recommendations for approval will be consolidated into a final report and sent to the NSF.
The SSC is comprised of experts in microstructures, mineralogy/geochemistry, rock mechanics and core handling and curation who are not personally involved in SAFOD research. Current membership is:
Co-Chairs: Brian Evans (MIT) and Jan Tullis (Brown)
Members: David Olgaard (ExxonMobil)
John Firth (IODP GCR)
Emi Ito (U MN),
Andy Kronenberg (TAMU)
John Logan (U OR)
Peter Vrolijk (ExxonMobil)
The SSC recommends how the SAFOD samples might best be allocated in a manner that maximizes the scientific return from the available samples while preserving adequate samples for future study. The GCR (where all SAFOD samples are stored) prepares and distributes samples to the requesting investigators. The GCR will maintain full records on sample distribution, which are regularly submitted to the NSF and entered into the EarthScope/SAFOD web site by the SAFOD Data Manager.
The goal of the SSC is to provide for an equitable and efficient distribution of samples, to maximize the return of scientific results, and to conserve the remaining core for future work. We are interested in hearing your comments and suggestions for improvements in policy or procedure. Please send your comments to greander@nsf.gov or use our contacts form send us feedback.