• Patterns of evolution of microorganisms. How has the process of evolutionary change 

 proceeded in marine organisms? 



• History of the earth's magnetic field. What is the nature of the magnetic field during a 



magnetic reversal? What is the detailed history of magnetic reversals and changes in the 

 intensity of the magnetic field? 



A second COSOD meeting (COSOD II) to evaluate the progress of ODP to date and to make 

 recommendations for scientific and technological objectives in the 1 990's is planned for 

 Strasbourg, France, in July 1987. 



The ODP is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and by partners which 

 currently include Canada, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, 

 and the European Science Foundation representing thirteen Western European countries. 

 Support for general operation of the drillship JOIDES Resolution and related science services Is 

 from comingled funds (U.S. plus international partner contributions) while direct support for 

 U.S. scientists to participate in precruise planning, sea-going operations, and postcruise 

 research is a national responsibility. The ODP is managed by Joint Oceanographic Institutions, 

 inc. (JOI) as prime contractor to NSF. 



The overall direction of the program is established by the Joint Oceanic Institutions for Deep 

 Earth Sampling (JOIDES) which provides planning and program advice with regard to scientific 

 goals and objectives, facilities, scientific personnel, and operating procedures. The JOIDES 

 Office provides support for the JOIDES Executive and Planning Committees and for the science 

 advisory structure in general. 



Texas A&M University (TAMU) is the Science Operator for ODP and manages the operation of the 

 drillship, including the planning and implementation of cruises. The Lamont-Doherty Geological 

 Observatory (LDGO) manages the wire line logging operations for obtaining measurements in the 

 drill holes. Sample and data banks are maintained by TAMU and LDGO for cores and downhole 

 measurement collected by ODP. 



Research and planning activities that are directly related to specific drilling objectives or that 

 are required to meet broad-based U.S. research community needs (national needs) are 

 coordinated by the U.S. Science Advisory Committee (USSAC). These efforts include: (1) 

 planning activities, including U.S. participation on JOIDES panels and regional or topical 

 workshops; (2) recommendations for shipboard scientific participants, (3) syntheses of 

 existing topical and regional data to meet defined drilling objectives, (4) development 

 of downhole tools and instrumentation for general use in the drilling program, and (5) site 

 specific surveys for safety or unique siting requirements on defined drilling legs. 



Regional geological and geophysical field studies required to develop drilling proposals and 

 specialized downhole geophysical or geochemical experiments are supported by the ODP Program 

 Office of NSF from unsolicited proposals. Based on the results of these studies, planning panels 

 solicit future drill sites. Individual studies address the major problems outlined by the Marine 

 Geology and Geophysics Program (i.e.. Structure and Evolution of Continental Margins; Tectonics 



53 



