10 JUNE 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Retirement Date Announced for the JOIDES Resolution Adapted from Information by the National Science Foundation It’s the end of an era for the drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution (JR). The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the 45-year-old vessel will be retiring in 2024. NSF decided not to renew its cooperative agreement with Texas A&M University for the operation and maintenance so it can focus its efforts and funds toward a sustainable evolution of the ocean science drilling community. The JR is a research vessel that drills into the ocean floor to collect and study core samples, giving scientists a glimpse into the earth’s development. It is the most cost and operationally effective of the platforms operated as part of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and is the most utilized of the scientific ocean drilling assets. The JR began working for the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) in 1985. Drilling with ODP continued until September 2003, at which point the IODP began. IODP is an international research program exploring the history and structure of the planet as recorded in seafloor sediments and rocks. From 2006-2008, the ship was completely retrofitted with new scientific drilling equipment, structural improvements, and significant upgrades. It currently costs about $72 million per year to operate the drill ship. NSF has helped maintain the international scientific ocean drilling venture with the understanding international partners would provide sufficient support through annual contributions and expedition-specific project contributions. Unfortunately, due to changing priorities, the international partners have indicated they will not consider the increased contributions necessary to counteract rising operational costs. A new model will have to be developed in partnership with the scientific community. Scientific ocean drilling has significantly contributed to understanding the broader earth system, from how earth’s system of tectonic plates operates, to how climate variability impacts sea level, ocean biology, and continental ecosystems. Although the NSF recognizes the importance of these contributions, by ending support for the JR now, those funds and resources can be directed toward ensuring a sustainable future for the scientific ocean drilling community. Since beginning a new facility will take years to achieve, planning for the next generation of scientific ocean drilling will begin this year. NSF will support the winding down of activities related to the JR and continue to fund core sample repositories and research of previously collected cores and related data, while encouraging proposals seeking to use those cores at any of the three repositories. One of NSF’s most important missions is to create pathways from diverse communities across the Nation into the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) community and research enterprise. The future of scientific ocean drilling needs to fully realize opportunities to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce in an equitable manner. The program will seek to engage early career scientists in helping plan the future of scientific ocean drilling. NSF will also support and facilitate thoughtful community conversation regarding future scientific ocean drilling objectives, new approaches in methodology and platforms, and international engagement. On a recent mission, the rig crew surrounded the drill pipe using a clamp to hold the drill string as they lift the drill pipe out of a borehole. ENV Mfg., Scree Atlan Inc. en & ntic E-mail: atlantic@ce Atlantic-Screen.c Manufactu 302-684-3197 Manholes j Clear PVC Pipe j Inline Chemical Mixers j ell Rehabilitation Produ jW e.net com urers 7 ucts Milton, DE 19968 142 Broadkill Rd ½” - 24 ranging f Perforated of Slotted Fax: 302-384-0643 more! MUCH And j Bailers Sampling j Locking Caps j Filter Sock j Bentonite j 4” from d Pipe dand 3 August Issue EDITORIAL Deadline for submission: JUNE 15, 2023 - NOON We are focusing on Horizontal Directional Drilling Innovations. What are your innovations? bonnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com
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