Measurements of acoustic wave propagation beneath the seafloor provide critical data for understanding the physical properties of marine sediments and crustal rock. Such information can be used to examine the composition and alteration of such material. Historically, most studies investigating the acoustic properties have used either seismic or laboratory techniques. Although useful, such data is often inaccurate for extrapolating to significant depth in the sea-floor. With the advent of sonic logging in the Ocean Drilling Program, some high-resolution acoustic data has become available. Because of the complexity of lithology, structure, geometry and available equipment, most measurements have only been able to determine compressional wave variations. The present project would adapt and modify for use on the JOIDES Resolution available industry equipment for measuring shear wave velocities and waveforms. This in situ data can be combined with routinely measured compressional velocities to completely characterize the acoustic properties of drilled sediments. The principal investigator is a promising young scientist who is fully qualified to undertake the proposed project. This award represents his first NSF research support.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9017509
Program Officer
Bruce T. Malfait
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1990-12-01
Budget End
1993-05-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
$134,398
Indirect Cost
Name
Columbia University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10027