This paper introduces new technology which extends the capability of gathering Earth Science data. The Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) has commenced coring the ocean floor to learn more about the earth. The program will be conducted worldwide during the next 14 years utilizing the drillship SEDCO/BP 471. Several modifications were performed in order that the ship could effectively use all available technology. A re-entry system is utilized so that the ship can core up to 8,000 ft. into the earth's crust. An office/lab complex was added to the ship to provide onboard data analysis of the cores. Several types of new scientific and drilling equipment will be utilized in this program.
The proven SEDCO drillship was selected for this program. Modifications were made and sea trials completed between September, 1984 and January, 1985. The Joint Oceanographic Institute for Deep Earth Sampling (JOIDES) group started the 14 year program on Leg 101 offshore the Bahamas. To date, normal coring operations have been underway, however, subsequent scientific Legs will be conducting projects that will extend technology. The work planned for this year includes coring offshore Western Greenland and Northern Norway and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near an active sub-ocean volcanic area. Future plans include drilling cores with a subsea BOP in 6,000 to 15,000 ft. water depths where core hole conditions may require drilling fluids. The technology exchange between the scientists and drilling industry is a key part of the 14 year program. In addition to Earth Science this program will provide data for future energy sources. The ODP has the potential to provide more useful data for mankind's life on Earth than the Space Program has produced.
A new program for Earth Science began in January 1985. The program and its equipment are namedJOIDES RESOLUTION. Leg 101 of the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) initiated obtaining core samples from ocean formations on the Bahama Shelf, is the beginning of a planned worldwide Earth Science Program. ODP is a continuation of the very successful Deep Sea Drilling Program (DSDP) which started in 1968 and was completed in 1983. ODP, funded by the NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION is targeted for Earth Science objectives which require an increased capacity vessel, drilling equipment, and more onboard scientific equipment than was available in the DSDP. Studies completed by the National Science Foundation and Joint Oceanographic Institute for Deep Earth Sampling (JOIDES) in 1982/83/84 showed that to accomplish the new objectives, equipment with greater capabilities was required.
The primary scientific objectives of the Ocean Drilling Program will be to study the origin and evolution of the oceanic crust, the tectonic evolution of continental margins, the origin and evolution of marine sedimentary sequences, studies of long term changes in the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, biosphere and magnetic field, and development of new tools and technology for deep ocean exploration and drilling.
