Merits and potential of a proposed ocean drilling program for the 1980's: the report of the Committee on Post-IPOD Science

Book · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:5656078

The highly successful Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP), in existence for more than twelve years, began sea-going operations when the Glomar Challenger embarked on Cruise 1 in August 1968. The scientific architects and advisors to the project, a consortium known as the Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling (JOIDES), were encouraged to review both operations and accomplishments, and to recommend what, if any, should be a program for the 1980's. Although the recommended program was a logical follow-on of current deep-sea drilling, it was apparent that new and more expensive technology would be required. In particular, a larger and more capable drilling vessel would be needed. To undertake this new program would require a major financial commitment. Therefore, in evaluating its merits and desirability, the National Science Foundation has undertaken a three-stage process. First, an evaluation of the scientific importance of the project; second, an assessment of the technological requirements and engineering feasibility of the operations; third, an overall evaluation of the importance of this program in the context of national scientific effort and of other national priorities. Stage I has been completed, and the aims of the project have been endorsed. Stage II is continuing, but all indications are that the program is technologically feasible. To accomplish Stage III, the Foundation established a Committee on Post-IPOD Science to look at this new program in terms of other national interests and priorities and recommend its relative importance. The report of this committee is presented.

• OSTI ID: 5656078
• Report Number(s): NP-24378
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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