Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS ESO?
The ECORD Science Operator is a consortium of European science institutions formed to undertake mission-specific platform operations (MSPs) for the European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling (ECORD) on behalf of IODP-MI.
WHAT IS A MISSION-SPECIFIC PLATFORM?
The IODP carries out an international marine drilling programme through multiple platforms - a feature unique to the program. Whereas the US and Japanese ships, JOIDES Resolution and Chikyu, are dedicated drilling vessels fitted out with permanent drilling, laboratory and offshore core repository facilities, MSPs are platforms especially chosen to fulfil particular scientific objectives. In most cases this requires modifications to the most appropriate platform (which may be a ship, drilling rig, etc).
HOW MANY MISSION-SPECIFIC PLATFORM EXPEDITIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED?
There have been 2 MSP expeditions: the Arctic Coring Expedition (ACEX) and the Tahiti Sea Level Expedition. A third MSP expediition, New Jersey Shallow Shelf, is being planned to take place in 2009.
HOW CAN A SCIENTIST SUBMIT A PROPOSAL TO IODP?
Guidelines for proposal submission are online at www.iopd.org. Proposals are invited twice a year, in April and October. These are evaluated by IODP panels and subsequently full proposals are developed.
HOW DO I APPLY TO TAKE PART IN AN EXPEDITION?
Scientists interested in participating in an MSP expedition, or any IODP expedition, may apply through their respective program office. Scientists based in ECORD member countries should submit their applications through the ECORD Science Support Advisory Committee (ESSAC).
HOW DO I ACCESS SAMPLES AND DATA COLLECTED DURING AN MSP EXPEDITION?
The ESO Core Repository is located at Bremen University. Data from the MSP expeditions can be accessed through the MSP Data Portal. Online request forms are also available at the the IODP website.
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MSPS?
The management structure and full list of ESO contacts is available here.
