296 OCEANOGRAPHY IN THE UNITED STATES 



reexamine all the chemical knowledge we have, work out a new geo- 

 chemical balance in nature because we already have all the limestone 

 we need based on the geochemical studies that have been made. 



This second layer also shows some possibility it could be composed 

 of volcanic material. The question then is why is it the same thick- 

 ness nearly everywhere that it is observed. 



One might think that if it is lava spewed out on the ocean floor 

 it might vary in thickness from place to place but it does not seem 

 to vary very much. 



The two basins are indeed of volcanic regimes. Both ocean basins 

 studied show volcanos which rise to within a few hundred fathoms 

 of the ocean bottom, and we find them almost everywhere. 



We know, too, about 100 million years ago there was a good deal 

 of volcanic activity. 



Another thing we wish to study is exactly what takes place at this 

 boundary between the third layer and the mantle. It is a very 

 puzzling layer. There is some evidence we get seismic scattering in 

 that layer. One could dream a little bit and suppose that that zone 

 might be an old earth surface before it was covered by sediment or 

 lava. This is only a very slight possibility, but if it turns out we 

 found meteoric material in that layer then it might be an old earth 

 surface. 



The major aim is to bring up a sample of the mantle after we have 

 been through all these various layers above the mantle. 



I think that is all the explanation I have to offer. If there are 

 any questions, both Mr. Bascom and I would be happy to answer 

 them. 



At one point in the proceedings Mr. Bascom would like to show 

 some slides of actual drilling operations. 



Mr. Miller. Has any governmental agency assumed the sponsor- 

 ship of this project ? 



Mr. LiLL. The National Science Foundation has assumed respon- 

 sibility thus far for the operations of our committee. They have 

 given us a grant of about $30,000 for the committee. 



In addition they have made some grants for exploratory work in 

 the area just north of Puerto Eico which now is going on and just 

 about finished. 



Mr. Miller. Has any approach been made to any of the founda- 

 tions for money to assist in the drilling of this hole? 



Mr. Lill. Not thus far. 



Mr. Miller. In other words, when your findings are complete you 

 then have to look to the Government to get the money to implement 

 the project? 



Mr. Lill. We have plans. We would like to get both Govern- 

 ment and private money into this project. 



We have indications from the National Science Foundation that 

 they plan to budget something on the order of $5 million in their 

 1961 budget. This is only a plan thus far in so far as I know. 



We have officially but not formally been notified by General Motors 

 Corp. that they will give us for our use all the diesel electric power 

 equipment that we need. They estimate the total value or this 

 equipment is on the order of $1 million. 



