Award Abstract # 1260697
Collaborative Research: Completing single- and cross-hole hydrgeologic and microbial experiments: Juan de Fuca Flank

NSF Org: OCE
Division Of Ocean Sciences
Recipient: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Initial Amendment Date: May 16, 2013
Latest Amendment Date: July 31, 2014
Award Number: 1260697
Award Instrument: Continuing Grant
Program Manager: Candace Major
OCE
 Division Of Ocean Sciences
GEO
 Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date: June 1, 2013
End Date: May 31, 2015 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $75,811.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $75,811.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2013 = $60,764.00
FY 2014 = $15,047.00
History of Investigator:
  • Katrina Edwards (Principal Investigator)
    kje@usc.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: University of Southern California
3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3
LOS ANGELES
CA  US  90033
(213)740-7762
Sponsor Congressional District: 34
Primary Place of Performance: University of Southern California
3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 107
Los Angeles
CA  US  90089-0371
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
37
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): G88KLJR3KYT5
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): OCEAN DRILLING PROGRAM
Primary Program Source: 01001314DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
01001415DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 0000, 5720, OTHR
Program Element Code(s): 572000
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.050

ABSTRACT

In 2010, IODP exp. 327 launched series of experiments based on instrumentation placed in 6 boreholes (Holes 1026B, 1027C, 1301A, 1301B, 1362A, and 1362B) on and near the Juan de Fuca Ridge (JDFR). The experiments were designed to examine hydrological and biological processes in basaltic ocean crust. Major issues to be addressed include overall permeability, the magnitudes, velocity and directions of fluid, solute,and heat transport,constraints on the fluid storage properties of crust, determining how fluid reservoirs respond to seismic perturbations, and investigating the variability, diversity, and metabolism of resident microbial populations. This project will recover sensors and samplers in the instrumented boreholes(CORKs),access data and samples, collect biological incubators placed at depth within the boreholes, and seal the CORKs. All of these activities are needed for the completion of the JDFR experiments

Once the data and samples are retrieved, the PI's will develop new numerical models for the hydrology (permeability, thickness and extent of permeable zones, connectivity, direction of flow, and anisotropy) of ocean crust based on the results of flow tests. T sensors will enable thermal structure to be determined in conjunction with flow parameters. DNA will be analyzed via ?16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes as well as select full-length Sanger-style sequencing and gene fingerprinting techniques.? The PI's will look at diversity, shared species, emergence and disappearance of groups. Metagenomic work will be done on some samples.

Broader Impacts include training of 4 shipboard educators, with an emphasis on recruiting underrepresented groups for these positions, teacher workshops, and special training for undergraduate and graduate students and post-docs. Research team includes grads, undergrads, and post-docs.

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