Science at Sea: Twenty-Four Countries Exploring the Subseafloor

Scientific ocean drilling represents one of Earth Science’s longest running and most successful international partnerships. In 1975, scientific drilling advanced from a U.S. program with one ship to an international collaboration. Today’s Integrated Ocean Drilling Program includes 24 member countries and operates on three platforms, which are managed by the U.S., Japan, and a consortium of European countries.  This program has transformed our understanding of climate change, natural hazards, and crustal structure, and demonstrated the existence of a biosphere beneath the sea floor. International scientists ranging in experience from graduate students to senior researchers work together as a team at sea for several weeks to 2 month expeditions. Because scientific drilling occurs in all regions of the oceans, there are also places for scientists from non-member countries to participate in the science off of their shores.  Through the history of scientific drilling, citizens of 60 nations, representing 6 continents, have sailed.  International collaborations extend before and after drilling, from development of the initial science plan to post-cruise science and synthesis meetings.