Scientific Method / Science & Exploration

Will work for oil

High oil prices are starting to impact some areas of scientific research.

For most of us, high oil prices have been reflected in increased living expenses but they haven't changed the bottom lines of many research budgets. Unless, of course, you have just built the world's fanciest marine core drilling machine. The Chikyu is a $500 million ship with a drill rig that is capable of drilling to 7,000m, even in deep waters. The ship also has a stabilizing system to help it keep a stable position in strong currents and moderate seas. All of this adds up to a heavy duty load on the ships power systems, meaning that the Chikyu drinks 110,000 liters of oil per day.

The expected operating expenses have increased dramatically since the budget was set, resulting in the cancellation of the crew training voyage in place of some paid work. Ironically, the Chikyu's crew will learn its business doing some contract work for an Australian oil exploration company—yes that is correct, they will be drilling for oil. Unfortunately, the crew cannot practice analyzing the samples because they belong to the oil company, however, they will know how to use the drill rig before they head out to do some science.

Despite this, the Chikyu is expected to commence scientific drilling on schedule in September next year. In this work, the rig will drill a 6,000m hole off the Japanese coast, which was expected to take five years. However, with increased running costs, the project is now in danger of not even being completed, unless additional funding can be secured.

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