Special Science Report

February 9, 2008

Kerry Cupit


Project:
Soil Gas Analysis at MDRS as a Rapid Resource and Geologic Assessment
Tool


Personnel:
Kerry Cupit


Operations Data Collected:
Another successful EVA (EVA-15) resulted in 4 holes being drilled and
sampled. There were slight variations in soil gas concentrations,
however results are still close to atmospheric with only minor
differences. It may be these subtle differences that are key to
locating and utilizing in-situ resources in a Martian environment.

------HOLE 7------
Date: Feb 9, 2008
Time: 15:30
Depth: 85cm
Easting: 0515836
Northing: 4253694

[CH4]: 0.0%
[CO2]: 0.0%
[O2]: 20.8%
[H2]: low
[CO]: 5ppm
[H2S]: 0ppm

Downhole T: n/a
Barometric P: 25.59mmHg
Comments: Temp probe inoperable

------HOLE 8------
Date: Feb 9, 2008
Time: 16:15
Depth: 94cm
Easting: 0515736
Northing: 4253711

[CH4]: 0.0%
[CO2]: 0.0%
[O2]: 21.0%
[H2]: low
[CO]: 6ppm
[H2S]: 0ppm

Downhole T: n/a
Barometric P: 25.57mmHg
Comments: Temp probe inoperable; [CO] was 0-12ppm

------HOLE 9------
Date: Feb 9, 2008
Time: 16:00
Depth: 91cm
Easting: 0515736
Northing: 4253711

[CH4]: 0.0%
[CO2]: 0.1%
[O2]: 20.9%
[H2]: low
[CO]: 0ppm
[H2S]: 0ppm

Downhole T: n/a
Barometric P: 25.58mmHg
Comments: Temp probe inoperable; CH4 spikes up to 1%

------HOLE 10------
Date: Feb 9, 2008
Time: 15:40
Depth: 91cm
Easting: 0515736
Northing: 4253711

[CH4]: 0.0%
[CO2]: 0.1%
[O2]: 20.6%
[H2]: low-med
[CO]: 0ppm
[H2S]: 0ppm

Downhole T: n/a
Barometric P: 25.58 mmHg
Comments: Temp probe inoperable


Technical/Equipment Issues:
The thermocouple meter was jammed today, showing only "Err" on it's
readout. Attempted to disconnect device from its battery in the field,
only to learn the battery door is screwed on and therefore isn't easily
accessible. Downhole temperature readings were not taken for these
latest holes (#7-10). Device was power cycled back at the hab and now
works correctly. May be worthwhile to bring a screwdriver in the
future out on EVA.


Discussion:
12 of 18 holes remain to be drilled, and it seems entirely possible to
regularly complete 4-6 holes per EVA. With luck the next two EVAs will
have this first survey site wrapped up.

Long-term goals would be to select a second soil gas survey site,
either in continuation of science objectives for this study or in
cooperation with the crew biologist for locating biologic activity.


Questions for RST:
Should I continue to include my raw data in special science reports?
I'm tracking them locally here, however you're welcome to view them as
well, they just take a bit of extra time to prepare. Thanks in
advance!