Special Science Report

February 7, 2008

Kerry Cupit


Project:
Soil Gas Analysis at MDRS as a Rapid Resource and Geologic Assessment Tool


Personnel:
Kerry Cupit


Operations Data Collected:
An ATV reconnaissance of air photo-identified lineaments was performed today, visiting the most ideal candidate and two good candidates. In addition, Candor Chasma was briefly explored as part of these reconnaissance efforts, where two fault-related features not previously identified were found and rated as "possible". Their coordinates are listed below:

Possible fault zone (path to Candor Chasma)
Easting: 0519523
Northing: 4251308
Comments: Low probability of being faulted may instead be an angular unconformity. Due to varying topography, this location wasn't suited for this survey and therefore will not be investigated further. Noted here for scientific curiosity.

Possible fault zone (Candor Chasma)
Easting: 0520133
Northing: 4251141
Comments: Moderate probability of being faulted. Fluvial pathways align very closely to strike of regional faulting known in this area. Topography isn't well suited within the Chasma itself for this study, however the surrounding areas could be investigated further. Access to the surrounding areas may be an issue, and therefore more accessible areas would be better to investigate first.

Hole #4 was drilled 3.8km northwest of Hab, along the Copernicus Highway in order to further field test modified equipment. Its location was identified as "ideal" in the air photo lineament analysis and a panoramic photo was taken for geomorphic analysis later tonight. Gas results were close to atmospheric. Possible reasons include an improper seal around the soil gas probe or insufficient depth. Given the ease of digging in this area, equipment will be modified tonight to allow for samples to be taken at greater depths.

------HOLE 4------
Date: Feb 7, 2008
Depth: 3ft
Easting: 0515661
Northing: 4253447

[CH4]: 0.0%
[CO2]: 0.1%
[O2]: 20.5%
[H2]: low
[CO]: 4ppm
[H2S]: 0ppm

Downhole T: 7.5°C
Barometric P: 25.48 mmHg

Cursory observations on-site suggest the location may be suitable for a full-scale soil gas survey, however the continuity of much of the stratigraphy around this area is a slight cause for concern.

While investigating the location of hole #4, a zone of 3-6mm thick, 30-50cm2 gypsum crystals were observed in a discrete, 20cm thick horizon of gray and light gray thinly laminated fine-grained sands and silts. Samples were obtained and returned to the Hab for future study.


Technical/Equipment Issues:
Equipment will be modified tonight and tomorrow morning in order to reach greater soil depths, although a maximum of 4ft may be the limit given the materials on hand. This should be fine, but of course the deeper the better, as long as it's repeatable.

Part of a connector between the tubing and the gas analyzer broke off in the analyzer. We were able to extract it in the field and create a workaround, to no scientific detriment. Replacement parts and tools should be brought in the future to ensure ease of in-field repairs.


Discussion:
One more reconnaissance/trial EVA may be done to test new modifications to soil gas equipment (increasing the probe depth) and broaden likelihood of finding suitable survey sites.

Will calculate GPS coordinates for a 3x6 sampling grid with 100m spacing for the area around hole #4, oriented perpendicular to strike of known regional faulting. It is estimated a sampling grid of this size would require 3-4 EVAs to complete, starting as soon as tomorrow.


Questions for RST:
None at this time.

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