20 February 2012

Present: Chad Broyles, Phil Rumford, Gemma Barrett, Steve Prinz, Algie Morgan, Carlos Zarikian.

Item 1: David Houpt asked that we discuss the location of u-channels within the archive half of the core. Locating the u-channel in the center of the core makes subsequent XRF analysis difficult. By shifting the u-channels off center a larger part of the core would remain undisturbed accommodating the needs of the XRF. The “pmag community” reacted fairly strongly to this request. Katerina pointed out that the reason u-channels are located in the middle of the core is to minimize the effects of coring disturbance, which has been well documented (see Acton et al., http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2002/2001JB000518.shtml). If you shift the u-channels towards the sides of the core, you would be biasing all paleomagnetic measurements. Adam Klaus added that If XRF scanning is  a priority, then this needs to be factored into a coordinated shipboard and shorebased sample/research plan (such as... taking sufficient copies during a cruise, XRF'ing before taking U-channels, etc).

Action: We will not be moving the locations of u-channels.

Item 2: The ALO’s asked that the Curation LWG make a formal recommendation on how the cores are shipped from the JR to the Repository

The group agreed that whereas it was not possible given the restricted geometry of the reefer to arrange the core boxes in numerical order, it is possible to separate the boxes of working and archive sections onto separate pallets. It is recommended that the cores are shipped this way.

Action: Archive and working halves should be packed on separate pallets for shipment to the repository.

Item 3: Proposed core rack arrangement

Further to the action item of the 12/16/11 meeting, Rumford sent Bill Mills proposal to the ship for approval by the technical crew (Exp. 339). If the majority of the crew were in favor of the arrangement then the LWG would endorse Mills project which would then be scheduled for implementation during the next “tie-up” period. Unfortunately the crew did not agree to the project and pointedly asked that the arrangement of the core racks and close-up table be kept as currently deployed on Exp. 339 for at least the next two high recovery Expeditions - 340 and 342. This request was in accord with the LWG recommendation made on 11/1/11.

Action: In view of the lack of accord between the two groups of technicians the LWG saw no reason to rescind its earlier recommendation. If further action is required on this project, the LWG recommends that any proposals be presented to the Issues Management Team for consideration.

Item 4: The PMAG scientists on 339 requested that we have boxes to pack PMAG cubes in after sampling. The empty PMAG cubes used to come in plastic boxes of 100. Now they are shipped in bulk

Action Item: Steve Prinz will determine the dimensions of the boxes required, and Phil Rumford will find a suitable vendor.

Item 5: Stocking red boxes for residues on the ship. Phil Rumford requested that plastic red boxes be stored on the ship for the packing and transportation of residues from the ship to the repository

The group did discuss the issue of space to stock the boxes. It was felt that the small footprint of the boxes and the fact that they stack easily would make it possible to find space to store them.

Action: The LWG requests red storage boxes be purchased and stored on the ship for residues. The stock level will be set at 10 boxes. The boxes can be purchased from ULINE Model Number S-9746R Description 22.5 x 18 x 11 red plastic tote.