9403812 WILLIAMSON This proposal seeks Phase II funding to complete the feasibility assessment for the remote control deepsea core sampling tool initiated in Phase I. The design presented utilizes proven land drilling tools and techniques to obtain cores 50 to 100m into hard rock and sedimented seafloors at locations as deep as 4000m. The proposed drill can be deployed from ships-of-opportunity utilizing conventional deck handling equipment currently available on most UNOLS vessels. The Phase II effort will construct and test and field trials. The prototype device will be used to obtain multiple, full-scale samples from soft clays to hard rock substrate. The successful completion of the Phase II program will lead to the commercialization (Phase III) and full implementation of a seafloor coring tool capable of obtaining samples previously available only through use of a drill ship. The proposal drill will provide a cost effective seafloor sampling technology to the research community and offshore industry.
