ODP & IODP Phases:
JOIDES Resolution
The scientific research vessel JOIDES Resolution began operations in
1978 as the Sedco/BP 471, originally an oil exploration vessel. In
January 1985, after being converted for scientific research, the vessel began
working for the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP). Drilling with ODP continued until September 2003, at which point the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) began. IODP is a multi-drilling platform research program. The JOIDES Resolution conducted IODP operations in 2004-2005 with the same copabilities as during ODP. At the moment, the ship is being converted and is expected to resume operations as IODP's riserless vessel in 2008, along with the riser vessel Chikyu operated by Japan, and mission-specific platforms operated by the European consortium ECORD. The JOIDES Resolution is owned by Overseas Drilling Limited, which is a joint venture company owned 50% by Transocean and 50% by DSND Shipping AS.
The vessel is named for the HMS Resolution, which explored
the Pacific Ocean, its islands, and the Antarctic region under the command of Captain James Cook over 200 years ago. Like its namesake, the purpose of the current Resolution is to sail for scientific exploration.
But this time, those discoveries lie deep beneath the oceans.
During normal operations, work aboard the ship never ceases as drilling and science activities continue 24 hours a day. A typical ship's complement consists of up to 50 scientists and technicians and 65 crew members. You can learn more about shipboard science and recreation activities at the IODP Photo Gallery and the Friends & Family Photo Gallery.
Also see JOIDES Resolution drilling highlights and statistics.
Glomar Challenger was the drillship of the Deep Sea Drilling Project.
|
