Expeditions
The Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP), began in 1966 using the Drilling Vessel Glomar Challenger. This pioneer vessel for DSDP conducted drilling and coring operations in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean and Red Seas.
In 1985, JOIDES Resolution replaced the Glomar Challenger at the start of a new program, the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP). ODP was truly an international cooperative effort to explore and study the composition and structure of the Earth’s subseafloors. The JOIDES Resolution conducted 110 expeditions for ODP at 2000 drill holes located throughout the world’s ocean basins.
The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP 2003-2013) built upon the international partnerships and scientific success of the DSDP and ODP by employing multiple drilling platforms financed by the contributions from 26 participating nations. These platforms were used to reach new areas of the global subsurface during 52 expeditions.
Beginning in October 2013, the IODP partners continue their collaboration via the International Ocean Discovery Program: Exploring the Earth Under the Sea.
For up-to-date schedules of future expeditions, as well as information on past expeditions, please visit the IODP website.