Introduction.

This document is primarily a report on the CRP-2 drill site operation and the science support manager's responsibilities during October - December 1998, but includes comments that may be useful for drilling CRP-3 in 1999.

Section 1 of this report is structured to provide a brief background on previous relevant drilling experience in the area, and to show how preparations for the Cape Roberts Project drilling have evolved. Notes on drilling aspects of CRP-1 and CRP-2 are presented to show the lessons that have been learned and how these have been developed to achieve the scientific drilling goals. Notes on scientific support for the drilling operation, including the winter sea ice remote sensing, are also presented, with comments on CRP-3 preparations for 1999. Preliminary notes have been presented to the ISC meeting, Rome, February 1999.