Open AccessSCIMPI: a new borehole observatory
Author(s) -
Tania Lado Insua,
Kate Moran,
I. Kulin,
Stephen Farrington,
John B. Newman
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
scientific drilling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.71
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 1816-8957
pISSN - 1816-3459
DOI - 10.5194/sd-16-57-2013
Subject(s) - observatory , borehole , geology , interfacing , seafloor spreading , drill , scientific instrument , instrumentation (computer programming) , remote sensing , modular design , scientific drilling , drilling , computer science , engineering , geophysics , mechanical engineering , geotechnical engineering , computer hardware , physics , quantum mechanics , astrophysics , operating system
The Simple Cabled Instrument for Measuring Parameters in-situ (SCIMPI) is anew borehole observatory instrument designed to study dynamic processesbelow the seafloor. SCIMPI performs time series measurements of temperature,pressure and electrical resistivity at a series of depths, tailored forsite-specific scientific objectives. SCIMPI's modular design enablestailoring of the type, depth distribution, and frequency of measurementsbased on the study goals and sediment characteristics. The first prototypeis designed for 300 m below the seafloor in soft sediment and 1500 m b.s.l.However, SCIMPI could be tailored for deeper goals. The instrument can beconfigured for autonomous or cabled observatory deployments and hassuccessfully undergone a number of tests, including pressure,communications, battery life, and interfacing with other drill-shipequipment. Here we discuss the design of the instrument, its capabilities,and the testing process it has passed through during four years of development.SCIMPI was successfully deployed on the Cascadia margin within the NEPTUNECanada observatory network during IODP Expedition 341S in May 2013