SOUTH CHINA SEA RIFTED MARGIN EXPEDITIONS 367 and 368

February-April 2017 and April-June 2017

The two South China Sea (SCS) Rifted Margin Expeditions (based on IODP Proposals 878-CPP and 878-Add) aim to understand the mechanisms of lithosphere extension during continental breakup at a non-volcanic rifted margin.

The SCS margin shows similarities to the hyper-extended Iberia-Newfoundland margins, possibly including exhumed and serpentinized mantle within the Continent-Ocean-Transition (COT). However, modeling studies suggest that there can be mechanisms of plate weakening other than serpentinization of sub-continental lithospheric mantle. Two competing models for plate rupture (in the absence of excessively hot asthenospheric mantle) have widely different predictions for development of the SCS margin.

To discriminate between these models, a series of deep-penetration sites will be drilled across a 150–200 km wide zone of highly extended seaward-thinning crust with a well-imaged COT zone. Coring and logging deep/basal sediments and the underlying basement is the primary objective.

The proposed drill sites determine the nature of crust within the COT and constrain (a) post-breakup crustal subsidence, (b) how soon after breakup igneous crust started to form, (c) timing of rifting, and (d) rate of extension. The science objectives can be effectively addressed at these drill sites because of the existing constraints on SCS formation and stratigraphy that include industry drilling, ODP Leg 184 and IODP Expedition 349 drilling, as well as due to the young (Paleogene) rifting of the margin and absence of excessively thick post-rift sediments.

JOIDES RESOLUTION EXPEDITION SCHEDULE:

The expedition schedule (http://iodp.tamu.edu/scienceops/ ) includes links to the individual expedition web pages that provide the original IODP proposal and expedition planning information.

HOW TO APPLY:

China-based scientists could apply through the IODP-China Office, and submit application form, English CV as well as post-cruise research proposal. The application deadline is:

IODP 367& 368: 15 January 2016.

For further details, please contact:

Shouting Tuo, Science Coordinator, the IODP-China Office

Tel.: +86-21-65982198, Fax: +86-21-65988808

Email: iodp_china@tongji.edu.cn