It involves twenty-four countries around the world. IODP arose from the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP; 1968-1983) and the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP; 1985-2003); these are among the most productive international science programs ever that conducted for example to the discovery of tectonic plates, the life in deep extreme marine environment and the unraveling of the Earth's past climate.
IODP offers the international community access to multiple drilling platforms as well as to cutting-edge technologies and research which focus on three themes: (A) the deep biosphere, (B) environmental change and (C) solid Earth cycles.

This first phase of IODP (2004-2007) led to the discoveries of very important missing pieces such as the history of the Arctic ocean climate and its role in moderating global ocean circulation and global climate change, the discovery of large quantities of gas hydrates on the Northern Cascadia margin at shallow depth below the seafloor, unlocking the secrets of the deep biosphere, a closer understanding of the origin of earthquakes, and others. Current expeditions involve many Canadian researchers and students (see Newsletters). More expeditions are planned thanks to the three main platforms (JOIDES Resolution, Chikyu and 'mission-specific platforms (MSPs)' - see Expeditions).



IODP in Canada
Canada participates in IODP in partnership with the European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling (ECORD). The Canadian Consortium for Ocean Drilling (CCOD) is comprised of members from universities and government agencies and organizes IODP related events and activities such as sessions and booths at Canadian meetings, scholarship competitions, summer schools for students, etc. IODP expeditions are an excellent opportunity for young researchers and students to experience multidisciplinary research dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the Earth.

Please don't hesitate to register on the IODP-Canada mailing list to receive the most recent news. If you are interested in receiving information about IODP in Canada, please contact the IODP Canada office: coordinator@mail.iodpcanada.ca

Our membership in IODP is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and Canadians academic institutions and non-governmental agencies.