IODP

Susan Humprhis here- I was on an expedition in 1994, when the first submarine hot spring was drilled in the Atlantic Ocean. We drilled through broken-up lava that was cemented together by beautiful white & gold minerals (oooooh).

Lanlan Cai- Regarding this expedition, because we are at a location with low pH and high temperatures, we are exploring the limits of life!

The very unusual environment- low pH, high temperatures- is something that brought us here.

Thanks for asking!

We're in a highly acidic environment at the bottom of our drill hole, so it's a bit unsettling thinking about what this environment could possibly do to our equipment.

Yes, if we can find a gene (or genes) in the genome of our prokaryotic samples, it could have the potential to be used in medical research. Before this happens, we need to conduct many more tests though! Good question.

Hi Carolyn!

Cores are coming up approximately every hour, so there's actually not been that much down time between core samples! Microbiology samples are processed as soon as possible.

We are working 24 hours per day, on 12 hour shifts, so there is always someone present to receive and start the core analysis process!

We think we have a successful mission!

Thanks.

Expeditions are international, so scientists from all member countries of IODP can apply to sail. Then, the co-chief scientists & expedition manager select those who will participate, based on expertise and the number of berths allotted to each particular country. We not only try to select a range of disciplines, but also ensure we bring early-career scientists along with crusty old sea dogs :)

Thanks for asking!