Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project - Volume 33

This volume covers Leg 33 of the cruises of the Drilling Vessel Glomar Challenger. Leg 33 of the Deep Sea Drilling Project was the fourth of five cruises planned for the 1973-1974 drilling program of the Glomar Challenger in the Pacific. The main purpose of this leg was to investigate the geologic history of one of the linear submarine ridge and island chain systems that have given rise to so much speculation. The primary objectives of Leg 33 were: 1) To determine the ages and geologic histories of segments of the Line Islands-Tuamotu Chain by drilling into the turbidite fans that drape around them. Based on such new data, we considered it possible to determine whether the two chain segments are indeed temporarily linked at an elbow, whether they overlap in age, or whether they are two separate "subchains." 2) To determine the extent and rate of the vertical motions undergone by these islands through time as they traveled away from the site of generation. 3) To gain a better understanding of the development of the sedimentary aprons that surround the islands. 4) To add to our information on the origin and geologic history of oceanic plateaus and rises by drilling the Manihiki Plateau. Secondary objectives of Leg 33 included: 5) Petrologic objectives. 6) Paleooceanographic objectives. 7) Biostratigraphic objectives. 8) Geophysical objectives. 9) Operational objectives. Glomar Challenger steamed from Honolulu on 2 November 1973, drilled eight holes at five sites, and docked at Papeete, Tahiti, on 17 December, to complete Leg 33 of the Deep Sea Drilling Project.