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December 23, 2008

Modernized ocean drillship JOIDES Resolution at sunrise

The modernized ocean drillship JOIDES Resolution at sunrise. After 20 years of service, the ship -- the pioneering scientific ocean-drilling vessel that has allowed scientists to retrieve samples of the Earth's crust and sediments from deep beneath the ocean -- received an extreme makeover.

The JOIDES is a dynamically positioned drillship and floating lab that can drill down more than 2,000 meters into the sea floor in water as deep as 7,000 meters. On-board the JOIDES, scientists from all over the world lead expeditions aimed at the deep biosphere and the sub-seafloor ocean; environmental change, processes and effects; and solid earth cycles and geodynamics. These are the principal science themes for the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP), the international endeavor for which the new and improved JOIDES will primarily work.

The ship's overhaul has resulted in a new U.S. drilling vessel for IODP. Lab space has been increased by 34 percent and is designed for greater efficiency in handling cores. There are 16 additional berths and all staterooms are double occupancy. Drilling capabilities and ship stability have been enhanced.

The National Science Foundation is one of several IODP funding agencies. To learn more about the program, visit the IODP website. (Date of Image: 2007)

Credit: Integrated Ocean Drilling Program


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