International Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP³) D/V Chikyu Completes Expedition 502: Impact of Petit-Spot Magmatism on Subduction Zone Seismicity and Global Geochemical Cycles (T-Petit)

The Deep-Sea Scientific Drilling Vessel Chikyu^*1, operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC: Hiroyuki Yamato, President), has completed the International Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP³)^*2 Expedition 502: Impact of Petit-Spot Magmatism on Subduction Zone Seismicity and Global Geochemical Cycles (T-Petit), on 24 November (Tue) 2025, having achieved its objectives.

1. Operation Summary

This expedition started on 30 October 2025, where drilling using the deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu (previously reported on October 20, 2025), to include borehole logging and core sampling, was conducted at a site on the outer rise area of the Japan Trench, where the sediment layer above the acoustic basement is exceptionally thin (Fig.1, Fig.2).

The borehole logging conducted during this expedition employed a different methodology from previous operations to ensure reliable logging within the shallow, hard rock layer below the seafloor (Fig.3). While this technique has a proven track record in land-based drilling, its implementation on a drilling vessel or semi-submersible rig represented a world first. Through extensive preparatory work and meticulous execution, the target geological data was successfully acquired.

For core sampling at Hole C0027D, core samples were collected from the shallow sedimentary layer down to 62 m below seafloor and from the igneous rock layer between 62 and 67.5 m. Core samples were collected from depths of 59 to 106.5 meters below the seabed in Hole C0027E, and from depths of 56 to 63 meters below the seabed in Hole C0027F. Subsequently, Chikyu entered Sendai Port (Takamatsu Second Pier), Miyagi Prefecture, on 23 November, concluding this expedition.

2. Overview of Results and Future Plans

On this expedition, geological data and sample collection via borehole logging and core sampling were conducted at the Pacific Plate, which subducts at the Japan Trench. The data and samples obtained are expected to verify whether the petit-spot volcanic activity, presumed to exist beneath the seafloor at a water depth of approximately 5,400 meters, extends over a wider area than previously thought. Furthermore, they expect to clarify the role that petit-spot plays in earthquake generation within subduction zones and in global material cycling.

3. Expedition website

A dedicated website for the expedition was launched. This website provides an overview of the expedition, introduces the participating researchers, and has been updated throughout the expedition.
https://www.jamstec.go.jp/chikyu/e/exp502/