Ship that survived Japan’s huge tsunami sets drilling record

GQ's research vessel, costing $526 million, set a record for the deepest undersea hole drilled by a research ship. It features riser technology, enhancing stability and depth capability. The mission aimed to drill through Earth's crust near Hama Matsu but was halted at 3250 meters due to collapsing holes.

What natural disaster caused damage to the GQ's research vessel?

What was the purpose of the GQ's research vessel drilling through the Earth's crust?