OCE is carefully considering input from the marine seismic community and
the UNOLS Marcus Langseth Science Oversight Committee (MLSOC) regarding
ways to improve experiment planning. This advice, together with internal
NSF discussions, leads us to adopt a Regional Framework Path for marine
seismic data acquisition. As the NSF reply to the NRC/NAS Decadal Survey
³Sea Change² indicated, we are investigating options for how to support
future marine seismic research, including deep crustal seismic
capability. A regional approach is expected to be relevant for any
feasible model, and thus we intend to get underway with a regional plan
so as to understand the ramifications of operating in this mode. Moving
forward, we will continue to work with MLSOC and the community at large
to assess any need for adjustment.
The regional framework is designed to reduce overall data acquisition
costs, and:
-Provide guidance about when to submit proposals for research in a
particular area.
-Encourage investigators (both US and potential international teams) with
new ideas for work along the path to submit a proposal that could mesh
geographically (modest transit) with the framework path.
-Provide rotating access to all regions of scientific interest within a
timeframe of several years.
REGIONAL FRAMEWORK PATH
Equatorial-South Atlantic 2016
Southeastern Pacific 2017
Southwestern Pacific 2018
Indian Ocean
North Pacific 2019
The framework can flex somewhat in response to demand. NSF proposals for
projects along the path should be submitted about 18-30 months prior to
potential cruise dates. Details of the path can evolve but the main
regions are expected to be retained. The length of time in one region
will reflect demand and science timeliness considerations for the next
region(s) along the path. The vision for this framework is that it can
guide planning about 4 years into the future. Subsequent path route(s)
will be announced approximately biennially, based on NSF understanding of
projected interest areas and MLSOC and community input.
This information and subsequent updates will be posted on MLSOC website
https://www.unols.org/committee/marcus-langseth-oversight-committee-mlsoc
Below is a list of 2015 seismic work, with emphasis in the North Atlantic
/ Mediterranean. The next opportunity for NSF deep seismic data
acquisition in this region would be after 2019/20. Shallow seismic work
using existing portable systems, such as currently operated by Scripps or
using P-Cable (available via lease agreement), will continue to be
scheduled as needed for funded projects in any region.
van Avendonk , Cayman Trough, NSF, Apr-22 days, R/V Meteor*
Hutchinson, Mid-Atlantic Shelf, USGS, Apr-27 days,R/V Langseth
Harris/Trehu, Hikurangi , SIO system, NSF, May-31 days, R/V Revelle
Mountain, New Jersey Sea Level 3D Imaging, NSF Jun-42 days, R/V Langseth
Hooft-Toomey, Santorini Volcanic System, NSF Oct/Nov-23 days, R/V Langseth
Rychert (UK), Mid-Atlantic Ridge Lithosphere, NERC Dec-17 days, R/V Langseth
* Platforms of opportunity may occasionally handle collaborative work
that deviates from the Regional Path.
