Institute for Geophysics

  • About
    • Institutional History
    • Mission & Science
    • Job Listings
    • Outreach
    • Contact
    • UT Austin Science Olympiad
  • News
    • Media Releases
    • Geophysics Blog
    • In the News
    • Staff and Student Awards
    • Media Contacts
  • Research
    • Climate
    • Polar and Planetary
    • Energy
    • Marine Geosciences, Seismology and Tectonics
  • Staff
    • Research Scientists
    • Postdoctoral Fellows
    • Administrative Staff
    • Scientific Support Staff
    • Research Affiliates
    • Find an Expert
  • Students
    • Current Students
    • Recent Graduates
    • Meet the UTIG Student
    • Prospective Students
  • Seminars
  • COVID-19
    • JSG Coronavirus Updates
    • Give to UT’s Student Emergency Fund

UT-GOM2-1: Hydrate Pressure Coring Expedition at GC 955

EXPEDITION HOMEEXPEDITION PROCEEDINGSEXPEDITION SCIENTISTSDATA DIRECTORYSAMPLE REQUESTSPROJECT HOME
Steve Phillips on board the industry-drilling platform (Helix Q4000).

Expedition UT-GOM2-01 General Information

Sites: H002, H005
Dates: 1 May–1 June 2017
Ports: Brownsville, TX to Port Fourchon, LA
Chief Scientist: Peter Flemings
Staff Scientist: Steve Phillips
Scientific Participants: Meet the UT-GOM2-1 Expedition Scientists
Acknowledgements: PDF

Expedition Summary & Scientific Objectives

From 2-May-2017 to 22-May-2017, the UT-GOM2-1 Hydrate Pressure Coring Expedition drilled two wells in Green Canyon Block 955 (GC 955) in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico: Hole GC 955 H002 (H002) and Hole GC 955 H005 (H005). 21 10 ft (3.05 m) pressure cores were attempted in and near the methane hydrate reservoir. In the first hole, H002, 1 of the 8 cores were recovered under pressure and there was 34% recovery of sediment (both pressurized and depressurized). In the second hole, H005, 12 of the 13 cores were recovered under pressure and there was 72% recovery of sediment. The pressure cores were imaged and logged under pressure. Samples were quantitatively degassed either on-board or on-shore to determine the hydrate concentration and the gas composition. Pore water analyses were performed on depressurized samples, and sediment samples were collected to enable characterization of the microbial community. 21 3.3 ft (1 m) vessels containing pressure core sections were returned to the University of Texas for storage, distribution, and further analysis. These cores will provide a foundation for scientific exploration by the greater hydrate research community.

To see pictures and updates from the team during the expedition, check out the blog and photo gallery.

Update: Read an account of the expedition:  Fueling the Future

Media Inquiries 

If you are a member of the media looking for more information on the expedition, please contact:

Anton Caputo
Director of Communications, UT Jackson School for Geosciences
Email: anton.caputo@jsg.utexas.edu
Office: (512) 232-9623

Institute for Geophysics

J.J. Pickle Research Campus,
Building 196
10100 Burnet Road (R2200)
Austin, TX 78758-4445

Phone: 512-471-6156
Fax: 512-471-2370

Driving Directions

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Questions?

Email us at utig@ig.utexas.edu or contact the webmaster at social@ig.utexas.edu.

Resources

Seismograms

Publications Database

Facilities

Helpful Links

Contact Directory

Job Listings

UTIG Fact Sheet

UTIG Brochure

UTIG Science Vision Plan

UTIG Newsletter

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our Partners

Bureau of Economic Geology

Department of Geological Sciences

Visit the Jackson School's website

Copyright © 2021 Institute for Geophysics
The University of Texas at Austin · Web Privacy Policy · Web Accessibility Policy