DOSECC

Lake Qinghai

In July 2005, DOSECC started operations at Lake Qinghai in China. This project was under the direction of Professor An Zhisheng of the Institute of Earth Environment of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The project was funded by CAS and ICDP.

Drilling on the lake started on July 19 and continued until September 15th. Lake Qinghai, the largest lake in China at 4,400 km2, is located on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau at 3,200 m elevation. It is a world-class site for obtaining high-resolution records of Quaternary climate and environmental history. This saline lake contains a sedimentary record that likely extends back at least into the Pliocene. A study of cores is critical for understanding the climatic, ecological and tectonic evolution of this area, including the development of the East Asian monsoon system and its relationship to major global atmospheric circulation and the uplift history of the Tibetan Plateau.

DOSECC employed the R/V Kerry Kelts as the drilling platform. Three additional cargo containers were added to the Kelts, giving the platform 480 ft2 more workspace. It was DOSECC's first use of the "superbarge" on a project. Despite delays due to avian flu concerns at the lake, and the weather challenges of a lake high on the Tibetian Plateau, the drilling crews did a remarkable job to collect as much core as possible.

Project Summary: Qinghai_one_pager.pdf  

ICDP Project Website: Lake Qinghai