Regresar

Scientific drilling across the shoreline

Abstract:

Shorelines are ephemeral features, yet many science problems cross this ever-moving boundary and require sampling on both its dry and wet sides. The logistics of working on land and at sea are distinct, such that funding agencies in many countries divide their research programs at the shoreline. Similarly, scientific drilling is split between the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) in the ocean and the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) on land. Here, we discuss three examples of drilling projects that effectively coordinated activities between IODP and ICDP and highlight the need for increasing cooperation and coordination across the shoreline. We end by casting an eye toward the future of scientific drilling, where truly amphibious projects are now possible.