DOSECC (Drilling, Observation and Sampling of the Earths Continental Crust) is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to provide leadership and technical support in subsurface sampling and monitoring technology for addressing topics of scientific and societal importance. Fifty-four research organizations are members of DOSECC.

The figure below illustrates the fundamental role that DOSECC serves for the scientific community: DOSECC provides the engineering, technology and management support to enable scientists to achieve their objectives.DOSECC does this by serving as the link between the earth sciences and drilling technologies. Our success is not only measured by the number of core samples collected, but in the cost-effective collection of high-quality samples and data. This is achieved by a group of highly experienced scientists, drillers and mechanical engineers who provide the technological expertise to plan, budget and monitor drilling programs and design and build new drilling equipment. In summary, DOSECC promotes a coordinated and integrated continental scientific drilling program for the earth science community.

OUR GOALS

Facilitate and support cost effective scientific drilling projects.
Link science and drilling technology.
Design, build and operate drilling systems.
Promote technology transfer and education.
Represent US interests in the international scientific drilling community.

DOSECC ACTIVITIES

PLANNING AND BUDGETING

DOSECCs engineers aid scientists in designing and budgeting scientific drilling projects. We can also assist investigators in procurement of commercial drilling services.

Dave & Ward

David Powars (left) and Ward Sanford, both USGS, examining a core of Exmore breccia, Chesapeake Bay Meteor Impact project, Cape Charles, VA, September 20, 2005. Photo by David Zur

DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND INSTRUMENTATION

The requirements of the scientific drilling community are often different than those of the commercial sector. Scientific projects focus on sample quality, collection of fluids and gases, and emplacement of instrumentation and monitoring devices. This emphasis often requires specialized drilling equipment. DOSECC has several unique drilling systems that have been developed specifically for scientific projects.

GLAD800 Drill Head and Controls

GLAD800 drill head and control panel

COMMUNICATIONS, PROGRAM COORDINATION AND INTEGRATION

The continental scientific drilling community is diverse, but investigators face many similar problems of equipment availability, logistical support and limited budgets. DOSECCs Annual Scientific Drilling Workshop provides a forum for the discussion of drilling and scientific studies.

DOSECC driller Vance Hiatt and GLAD800 drilling rig aboard the R/V Kerry Kelts on Lake Qinghai,

China, July 17, 2005 (Photo courtesy of LQDP)

TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS

DOSECC sponsors thematic workshops that allow investigators to bring together teams to organize proposals and solve engineering problems related to scientific drilling and sampling. Our Annual workshops facilitate discussions of research drilling programs that are at different stages of progress and that span different scientific disciplines in a effort to enhance the ability of the research community to apply innovative drilling technology to important earth science questions. See the programs from our 2005 and 2006 Workshops.

Kevin & Mitch

Kevin Burke (L) and Mitch Lyle examining a stunning section of glauconitic sandstone in the

Llano Uplift, Texas during DOSECCs 2005 Annual Scientific Drilling Workshop. Photo by David Zur

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

DOSECC offers internships to undergraduate and graduate students and primary and secondary school teachers for studies of samples and data from scientific drilling projects. We also share our love of geology and science with those around us.

Bottom line...kids love rocks! Spencer and Collin rockhounding in California.

DOSECC is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation

Contact DOSECC:

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 58857

Salt Lake City, UT 84158-0857

Street Address:

675 S. Arapeen Drive, Suite 201

Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Phone: +1 801-581-3376

FAX: +1 801-585-9386

Website conceived, designed and maintained by David Zur; he welcomes comments, suggestions, information about dead links, love notes, and politely phrased critiques.

Site Last Updated:

27 March, 2007

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