CHINESE CONTINENTAL SCIENTIFIC DRILLING PROJECT

Site selection of CCSD project

On the basis of careful selection, the first China continental scientific drillhole site is located in Donghai County, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, in the eastern part of the Dabie-Sulu UHPM belt which possesses global geological significance. The Dabie-Sulu UHPM belt has been recognized as one of the most important natural geological laboratories for studying petrotectonic processes associated with continental collision and convergent plate boundaries and therefore as a site for international continental scientific drilling based on the following facts:

1  This region is located on the structurally deepest part of the orogenic belt, so the vertical profile of the continental plate convergent boundary can be investigated with a minimized depth of drillhole.

2  This region possesses relatively simple tectonics and shallow dipping formations, so  more formations can be penetrated with 5000 m borehole.

3  In this region, UHPM rocks of various types are widely distributed and the characteristic UHPM minerals like diamond have been found.

4 Down to 3000~5000 m in this region, there commonly occur high velocity, high density, high resistance and strong reflection layers. These layers constitute one of the targets of the drilling project.

5  This region owns abundant mineral resources and hence is an ideal site to conduct the research on mechanism of UHPM mineralization.

6  The geothermal gradient at the depth of this region is relatively low, which allows for use of simple drilling techniques and thus reduces the cost.

7  The drillhole site is near the Tanlu fault and therefore will be a good place to monitor seismic activities.

8  The Donghai area boasts its highly developed economy, convenient transport and communication system, and ample power and water supply.