The main observation well is down to 687 m, through the permafrost layer. Progress was slowed yesterday because lines in the drill mud system were clogged with cuttings and the entire system had to be taken apart and cleaned out. There have been up to76 people at the drill site, filling up the main camp and most of the annex (secondary) camp as well. The crew and logging truck from Schlumberger are on site poised to begin logging (measuring) the permafrost interval in the main well with a suite of down-hole geophysical instruments. Mark Nixon (GSC) is back in camp. He and Tim Collett (USGS) have readied the core laboratory so everything is in place to receive the first core. A delegation of seven Japanese scientists toured the rig today and were briefed on the ongoing science research programs.

Mark Nixon (GSC) with his new tools in the Science Lab at the drill rig.

A science workshop is planned at the Inuvik Research Centre for the next two days. This will give participants a chance to discuss their research objectives and refine the core handling protocol - the order in which various samples and measurements are taken, how samples will be labeled and packed for shipping. This will be the last opportunity for things to be discussed in an atmosphere of calm, because once the core arrives everyone will be working in high gear.

Vertical pillar sunrise over a pingo (a hill with a core of ice) near Mallik 2002 camp.

Tim Collett (USGS) Ryo Masumoto and Tomaru-san (JNOC) and Scott Dallimore (GSC project leader).