IODP Expedition 330 Louisville Seamount Trail

Location

Cores U1377B-1R to -5R were retrieved with 30% average recovery. The first core recovered 1.09 m of predominantly soft, pelagic foraminiferal ooze containing well-preserved Pliocene to recent foraminifers. About 30 cm of basaltic conglomerate covered by a ferromanganese crust was found at the bottom of the core. The conglomerate is cemented by a white limestone matrix that contains planktonic and larger benthic foraminifers. Cores U1377B-3R to -5R contain moderately altered aphyric volcanic rocks displaying grain and vesicle banding interpreted as flow textures. Abundant, slightly rounded glassy margins could indicate that these rocks represent a stack of pillow lavas but the detailed description is still underway. At noon, the series of U1376 site meetings was concluded with presentations by the Physical Property, Geochemistry, Paleomagnetism and Downhole Logging groups.