Scientific Ocean Drilling: Accomplishments and Challenges

This book reviews the scientific accomplishments of U.S.-supported scientific ocean drilling over the past four decades. The book evaluates how the programs (Deep Sea Drilling Project [DSDP], 1968-1983, Ocean Drilling Program [ODP], 1984-2003, and Integrated Ocean Drilling Program [IODP], 2003-2013) have shaped understanding of Earth systems and Earth history and assessed the role of scientific ocean drilling in enabling new fields of inquiry. This book also assesses the potential for transformative discoveries for the next proposed phase of scientific ocean drilling, which is scheduled to run from 2013 to 2023.

The programs' technological innovations have played a strong role in these accomplishments. The science plan for the proposed 2013-2023 program presents a strong case for the continuation of scientific ocean drilling. Each of the plan's four themes identifies compelling challenges with potential for transformative science that could only be addressed through scientific ocean drilling, although some challenges appear to have greater potential than others. Prioritizing science plan challenges and integrating multiple objectives into single expeditions would help use resources more effectively, while encouraging technological innovations would continue to increase the potential for groundbreaking science.

Contents
Summary
Scientific Accomplishments
Assessment of the 2013-2023 Science Plan
1 Introduction to U.S. Scientific Ocean Drilling
History of U.S.-Supported Scientific Ocean Drilling, 1968-2011
Technical Achievements of U.S.-Supported Scientific Ocean Drilling
Overarching Conclusions
Report Organization
2 Scientific Accomplishments: Solid Earth Cycles
Geomagnetism
Structure, Composition, and Formation of Oceanic Lithosphere
Continental Breakup and Sedimentary Basin Formation
Subduction Zone Processes and the Seismogenic Zone
Large Igneous Provinces
3 Scientific Accomplishments: Fluids, Flow, and Life in the Subseafloor
Heat Flow, Fluid Flow, and Geochemistry
Hydrothermal Vent Processes
Subseafloor Biosphere
Gas Hydrates
4 Scientific Accomplishments: Earth’s Climate History
Past Warm Climate Extremes and the Greenhouse World
Cenozoic Ice Sheet Evolution and Global Sea Level Change
Orbital Forcing
Abrupt Climate Change
Co-Evolution of Life and the Planet
5 Education, Outreach, and Capacity Building
Education
Outreach
Capacity Building
6 Assessment of Illuminating Earth’s Past, Present, and Future: The International Ocean Discovery Program Science Plan for 2013-2023
Overarching Comments
Theme 1—Climate and Ocean Change
Theme 2—Biosphere Frontiers
Theme 3—Earth Connections
Theme 4—Earth in Motion
References
Appendixes
A DSDP, ODP, and IODP Legs and Expeditions
B Committee and Staff Biographies
C Workshop White Papers
D Acronym List

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