The National Methane Hydrates R&D Program
The DOE/JIP Gulf of Mexico Hydrate Research Cruise
The primary objective of the Gulf of Mexico Hydrates Joint Industry Project (JIP) is to develop technology and data to assist in the characterization of naturally occurring gas hydrates in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Other objectives of this project are to better understand how natural gas hydrates can affect seafloor stability, to gather data that can be used to study climate change, and to determine how the results of this project can be used to assess if and how gas hydrates act as a trapping mechanism for shallow oil or gas reservoirs.
The expedition employed the semi-submersible vessel "Uncle John" which carried a team of scientists and engineers on the 35-day voyage. During the expedition reports and pictures were sent almost every day. A log of these reports is available along with a gallery of cruise photos.
Contact information for technical or media related inquiries
2005 GOM Final Cruise Report [PDF-6.13MB]
Results of Core Sample Analysis - Fugro Operations and Geotechnical Investigations [PDF-7.13MB]
Archived reports and images are available using the "Status Reports" link located above on the circular image.
National Methane Hydrate R&D Program website.
More information on methane hydrates.
Photos:
Photo Gallery - miscellaneous - Photos from onboard the Uncle John and from arriving helicopter
Coring Photo Gallery - Photos showing pressure coring and analyses equipment
Day 16 Photo Gallery - Photos by NETL scientist showing the core analyses equipment
Day 13 Photo Gallery - Photos by NETL scientist showing drilling preparation
Day 12 Photo Gallery - Photos by NETL scientist showing core retieval and processing
Day 10 Photo Gallery - Pressurized core prior to transfer to lab and seabed frame preparation
Day 6 Photo Gallery - Working with push cores and ROV photos of sample collection at AT 14
Day 4 Photo Gallery - Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), Sampling, Core Handling
Day 3 Photo Gallery - Preparation for Drilling
Day 2 Photo Gallery - Loading of Uncle John and Lab Setup
Loading the Uncle John [PowerPoint]
The drill ship out to sea - Setting up the lab [PowerPoint]
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