The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program is currently accepting applications for three expeditions on the Chikyu. U.S.-affiliated scientists interested in participating in these expeditions should apply to sail through USSSP.

Expedition 331: Deep Hot Biosphere (September 1 – October 3, 2010): This expedition will directly sample hydrothermally active mounds in the Okinawa Trough to obtain direct evidence for a functionally active, metabolically diverse biosphere.  The goals are to characterize the variations in biomass, diversity, structure, and function of the microbial communities laterally and with depth. The fluid and mineral chemistry will also be analyzed to determine if they influence the microbial and hydrothermal activity. Scientists with expertise in sedimentology, petrology (especially for sulfide/ore deposits), and physical properties are encouraged to apply. For more information about this expedition, please see the Science Expectations. The deadline to apply for this expedition has been extended to July 11, 2010.

Expedition 332: NanTroSEIZE Riserless Observatory 2 (October 25 – December 12, 2010): The Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE) is a complex ocean drilling project to drill, sample, and instrument the seismogenic portion of a subduction zone.  This expedition will continue work at Site C0002, where a future borehole is planned to penetrate the plate boundary, by installing a riserless wellhead, setting casing, and installing a CORK-type observatory in a 1,000 m borehole.  Observatory specialists are encouraged to apply.  The deadline to apply for this expedition is July 19, 2010.

Expedition 333: NanTroSEIZE Inputs Coring 2 and Heat Flow (December 13 – January 10, 2010): Part of the Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE), this expedition will core and collect temperature measurements to analyze the input material entering the Nankai Trough subduction zone.  Most of the material will be sedimentary in nature, but some basement coring is planned. Sedimentologists, physical property specialists, geochemists, micropaleontologists, and structural geologists are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply for this expedition is July 19, 2010.

For more information on the currently scheduled IODP expeditions, please visit the IODP expeditions website. Additional information about the staffing process and opportunities for sailing scientists is provided below.

• Staffing Process: USAC reviews and prioritizes staffing applications.
• Apply to Sail: Apply to sail on IODP expeditions.
• Apply for a PEA award: Apply for supplemental funding to fulfill expeditions obligations.
• Past Participants: U.S. shipboard scientists supported by USSSP during the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) and IODP.
• Past PEA Awards: U.S. scientists supported with USSSP funding to fullfill expedition obligations.