The Marine Geology and Geophysics Program includes work on the composition and 

 evolution of oceanic crust, deep ocean basins, and continental margins; the distribution, 

 composition and history of terrigenous and biogenic sediments on the seafloor; and the history 

 of the oceans. Research methods include seismic reflection and refraction; magnetic studies of 

 the crust and sediments; analysis of gravity data; petrologic and geochemical study of ocean 

 crustal rocks; paleontologic, mineralogic, and geochemical analyses of marine sediments; and 

 studies of samples recovered by the Ocean Drilling Program. 



The Ocean Drilling Program is an international effort to explore the structure and history 

 of the earth beneath the ocean basins and margins using the drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution. 

 Samples are analyzed aboard ship along with results from logging, other downhole experiments, 

 and regional geophysical field studies to address important problems. These include crustal 

 evolution, crustal structure, and hydrothermal systems at midocean ridges; tectonic and 

 sedimentary history of passive and active margins; origin of island arc systems; response of 

 marine sedimentation to sea level changes; global mass balance of sediments; history of ocean 

 circulation (paleoceanography); and evolution of marine organisms. 



The Oceanographic Technology Program provides funds for Ocean Sciences research 

 activities in three distinct areas: shipboard technician support, acquisition of shared-use 

 scientific instrumentation, and new instrument development. 



The Ship Operations Program provides funds for the operation and maintenance of 

 research vessels used by NSF-funded scientists. This includes funding for crew and marine 

 staff salaries; maintenance, overhaul, and repair; insurance; direct operating costs such as 

 fuel, food, supplies, and pilot fees; shore facility costs directly related to ship operations; and 

 indirect costs. 



The Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment Program provides funds for ship 

 equipment deemed essential to the proper and safe conduct of ocean science research. This 

 includes such items as deck, navigational, and communication equipment. 



The Ship Construction or Conversion Program supports new ship construction, 

 conversion of ships to research vessels, and remodeling and refitting existing research ships. 



Areas of Critical Need for the Core Programs 



The program described above has developed through proposal pressure and scientific judgement 

 to make the most of limited basic research funding. Examination of future research 

 opportunities indicates that this core program should grow in several areas. Some of this 

 growth involves increases in research support for specific subdisciplines, while most program 

 areas require improved support to introduce new technology, train future scientists, and 

 facilitate processing of data. All three of the latter activities are common to all of the 

 sub-disciplines. 



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