Earth, Oceans and Life

-Scientific investigations of the Earth System Using Multiple Drilling Platforms and New Technologies-

An Initial Science Plan (ISP) provides essential guidance and a fundamental framework for the operation and evaluation of scientific programs and defines the goals crucial to success. The ISP for IODP, “Earth, Oceans and Life: Scientific investigations of the Earth System Using Multiple Drilling Platforms and New Technologies,” was formulated from 1997 to 2001 by participation of an international community of scientists sharing scientific goals, challenging each other’s imaginations and proposing innovative approaches to both new and long standing questions about the Earth. The ISP organizes IODP research into themes focusing on major Earth processes, encouraging specialists to broaden their proposals and collaborate with colleagues to maximize the scientific impact of each expedition. The ISP focuses on the three themes:

   ::  The deep biosphere and the subseafloor ocean

   ::  Environmental change, processes and effects

   :: Solid earth cycles and geodynamics.

  Initial Science Plan (3.12 MB)    

Contents

Executive Summary: A Vision for Scientific Ocean Drilling		3
Setting the Stage for the Future		9
Major Achievements of Scientific Ocean Drilling		10
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Science Plan		17
The Deep Biosphere and the Subseafloor Ocean		18
The Subseafloor Ocean in Various Geological Settings		20
The Deep Biosphere		25
Initiative: Deep Biosphere		27
Gas Hydrates		29
Initiative: Gas Hydrates		32
The Role of Multiple Platforms in Exploring the Deep Biosphere and the Subseafloor Ocean		33
Environmental Change, Processes and Effects		35
Internal Forcing of Environmental Change		36
Initiative: Extreme Climates		39
External Forcing of Environmental Change		43
Environmental Change Induced by Internal and External Processes		46
Initiative: Rapid Climate Change		50
The Role of Multiple Platforms in Exploring Environmental Change		51
Solid Earth Cycles and Geodynamics		53
Formation of Rifted Continental Margins, Oceanic LIPs and Oceanic Lithosphere		55
Initiative: Continental Breakup and Sedimentary Basin Formation		58
Initiative: Large Igneous Provinces		62
Initiative: 21st Century Mohole		65
Recycling of Oceanic Lithosphere Into the Deeper Mantle and Formation of Continental Crust		66
Initiative: Seismogenic Zone		68
The Role of Multiple Platforms in Exploring Solid Earth Cycles and Geodynamics		69
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Implementation Plan		71
Principles of Implementation		72
Implementation Plan for Initiatives		74
Infrastructure		74
Education and Public Affairs		81
Innovations and Technology Development		82
ODP – IODP Transition Strategy		84
Program Operations and Management		85
Science Advice and Coordination		87
Collaborations		88
IODP Funding		90
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Appendix 1: Community Consultation in the Development of the IODP Initial Science Plan		93
Appendix 2: IODP Implementation Plans		95
Appendix 3: IODP Synergies with Marine Geoscience Programs		105
Glossary		109
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