USGS Attempted Drill for Soil History

On Wednesday the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) Research Geologist, Byron Stone, Chief Driller Gene Cobbs, Assistant Driller Jeff Grey, and Alex Ciampa, a student assistant from Salem State University, mobilized their drilling unit at the small parking area at the end of Navigation Road in West Barnstable. 

The drilling activity collects subsurface soil and rock samples using two 2.5’ clear tubes that are housed together inside the 5’ augers.  

These samples will extend their knowledge of earth materials and conditions from the surface to varying depths. Drill sample data will be used in the preparation of geological maps, scientific report and other publications.

This particular site was chosen for the purpose of obtaining core samples of glacial-lake varved clay, which contains annual layers of clay and silt, similar to rings of a tree, in order to determine the age of first glacial deposits on Cape Cod.

After drilling 40’ into the earth, pressurized sand continued to enter the auger making it impossible to continue drilling to the proposed 105’ depth. USGS Research Geologist, Byron Stone will return to the area with his crew early next year to locate a potential site to obtain new samples for his research endeavor.

Information provided by Alisha Parker from the TOB.