CHART:  Charting the Future Course of Scientific Ocean Drilling

 

 

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DISCUSSION FORUM ON

Solid Earth Cycles & Geodynamics

 

 

MODERATORS:  Bob Duncan, Clive Neal and Demian Saffer

 

Background

 

The Initial Science Plan of the current IODP program lists ÒSolid Earth Cycles and GeodynamicsÓ as a central theme. Centered around geologic processes driven by outer core and mantle convection, this theme was designed to examine both the creation, destruction (recycling), structure, and movement of oceanic crust and lithosphere, the rifting of continents, and large igneous provinces. Within this theme were described four initiatives: 1) Continental Breakup and Sedimentary Basin Formation; 2) Large Igneous Provinces; 3) 21st Century Mohole; 4) Seismogenic Zone.

 

Lead-in Questions

 

Should the next phase of IODP (2013-2023) focus on similar issues and initiatives? If so, why and what are the unsolved elements of these research foci? If not, what are the most compelling unresolved issues in solid earth processes that can be investigated through scientific ocean drilling? How can investigation of these basic processes contribute to mitigation of geodynamic impacts on humans? (e.g., tsunamis, volcanoes, earthquakes, environmental response to catastrophic volcanic events as analogs to greenhouse gas loading of the atmosphere).