IODP Program Member Offices are currently accepting applications from scientists needed to staff a series of expeditions to be conducted by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program in Stage 1 of its first complex drilling project, the Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment, known as NanTroSEIZE. This expedition series launches IODP’s commitment to a multi-expedition science program set forth in Proposals #603A-D, online for review at www.iodp.org/NanTroSEIZE. NanTroSEIZE Stage 1 consists of five riserless drilling expeditions: two operated by the U.S. Implementing Organization (USIO) aboard a newly refurbished U.S. Scientific Ocean Drilling Vessel, and three operated by Japan's Center for Deep Earth Exploration (CDEX) aboard the R/V Chikyu. A prospectus describing the NanTroSEIZE program and specific Stage 1 science objectives and implementation strategies is online at www.iodp.org/NanTroSEIZE.

Three CDEX operations begin in Sept. ’07: the first is a logging-while-drilling (LWD) expedition of all NanTroSEIZE Stage 1 sites; the second will drill a 1000m-deep riserless pilot hole in preparation for riser hole NT2-03 into the splay fault. The third expedition focuses on riserless drilling through the seaward part of the splay fault (NT02-01), and through the frontal thrust at the prism toe
(NT01-03).

Two USIO expeditions are tentatively scheduled for Jan.-Feb. ’08 and Mar.-Apr. ’08: the first consists of riserless drilling at reference sites NT01-01 and NT01-07; the second USIO expedition consists of drilling a riserless pilot hole and a subsequent CORK installation at site NT03-01. The schedule and operational sequence is dependent on the completion date of the USIO vessel conversion.

Scientists from 21 IODP member countries are encouraged to apply for participation (see country list at www.iodp.org/program-partners). Prospective participants should apply to their respective Program Member Offices (www.iodp.org/program-member-offices) by Oct. 15, 2006. Scientists are asked to rank specific expeditions as their first-, second-, and third-priority choices for participation in NanTroSEIZE Stage 1. Scientists nominated by a Program Member Office will have their applications forwarded to both expedition operators (USIO and CDEX), who will staff the expeditions collaboratively. Every effort will be made to comply with successful applicants’ highest priority choices; however, achieving disciplinary and member country/consortia staffing balance may require assignments to second- or third-priority choices. Please note: currently planned operational dates are tentative and likely to change. Flexibility on the part of selected scientists will be required as operational schedules for expeditions develop.

For more information, contact an IODP Program Member Office.

		Scientists working in China should contact the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), www.most.gov.cn/index.htm
		Scientists working in Japan, contact www.j-desc.org
		Scientists working in Korea, contact www.kigam.re.kr
		Scientists working in Europe, contact www.essac.ecord.org/index.php
		Scientists working in the United States, contact www.usssp-iodp.org