A Proposal to Manage the U.S. Science Support Program Office associated with the International Ocean Discovery Program (USSSP-IODP)

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

Scientific ocean drilling remains one of the preeminent tools for reconstructing Earth’s history and improving understanding of future environmental change. This project supports the management of the U.S. Science Support Program associated with the International Ocean Discovery Program (USSSP-IODP), enabling the U.S. scientific community to maximize the scientific return from ocean drilling platforms and address key research areas, including ocean processes and variability, subseafloor ecosystems, connections between Earth’s surface and deep processes, and geohazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. The knowledge gained will advance understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems and inform preparedness for environmental hazards and long-term change. The project will also support the development of the next generation of scientists and increase public awareness of ocean science and its broader societal relevance. LDEO has a long involvement with scientific ocean drilling and the collective experience of the PI and co-PIs provide a strong foundation that will ensure the office is managed efficiently and with an eye toward providing superior service to the U.S scientific community. USSSP-IODP will support numerous components of the U.S. IODP effort. The LDEO and Columbia administration groups have extensive experience with establishing subawards and are well positioned to provide these services on behalf of the USSSP-IODP. The reorganized U.S. Science Advisory Committee (USAC) will coordinate or provide reviews of proposals and applications from the U.S. IODP community and will provide the implementing organizations with recommendations for shipboard staffing. USAC will also advise USSSP-IODP in establishing goals for U.S activities in IODP, promote the development of working groups and individual drilling proposals, and provide oversight of the USSSP Office.