IODP (International Ocean Discovery Program)

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is an international scientific effort that explores Earth's deepest ocean floors by using specialized drilling ships. Its goal is to study Earth's history, climate change, earthquakes, and ocean ecosystems by extracting cores—long, cylindrical samples of sediment and rock—from beneath the ocean floor. This research helps scientists understand how our planet works, how it has changed over millions of years, and how human activities may impact its future. IODP fosters global collaboration to expand our knowledge of Earth's underwater environments, benefiting science, society, and policy-making.