The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is now accepting applications for scientific participants on Expedition 395 Reykjanes Mantle Convection and Climate, aboard the JOIDES Resolution. To learn more about the scientific objectives of this expedition and how to apply to sail, watch a recording of the informational webinar that was held on 26 March 2020 (click here to access).

SPECIAL CALL: The U.S. Science Support Program (USSSP) for International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is seeking U.S.-based scientists with expertise in the following disciplines to apply for Expedition 395: Physical Properties, Sedimentology. The deadline to apply for this special call is February 27, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST.

Reykjanes Mantle Convection Expedition 395 will investigate mantle upwelling beneath Iceland, which supports the regional bathymetry and has led to changes in the height of oceanic gateways that control the strength of deep-water flow over geologic timescales. This drilling program contains three objectives: (1) to test contrasting hypotheses for the formation of V-shaped ridges that are the result of interaction between the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Iceland plume; (2) to understand temporal changes in ocean circulation and explore connections with plume activity; and (3) to reconstruct the evolving chemistry of hydrothermal fluids with increasing crustal age, varying sediment thickness, and crustal architecture.

Expedition 395 is based on IODP Proposal 892-Full2 (Mantle Dynamics, Paleoceanography and Climate Evolution in the North Atlantic Ocean) and will target the sediments and igneous basement along with downhole logging at sites east of the Reykjanes Ridge. Five sites have already been visited during Expeditions 384 and 395C, in support of Expedition 395. For more information on Expeditions 395 and 395C, refer to the expedition website.

The proposed sites intersect V-shaped ridges/troughs pairs and sample the Bjorn and Gardar sediment drifts. Millennial-scale paleoclimate records are contained within rapidly accumulated sediments of contourite drifts in this region. The accumulation rate of the sediments is a proxy for current strength, and the sediments also provide constraints for climatic events including Pliocene warmth, the onset of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation, and abrupt Late Pleistocene climate change. Major, trace and isotope geochemistry of basalts will allow us to observe spatial and temporal variations in mantle melting processes. This combined approach will explore relationships between deep Earth processes, ocean circulation, and climate.

The expedition will take place from 12 June–12 August 2023.

Who Should Apply to the Expedition 395 Special Call: We encourage applications from all qualified scientists (including graduate students) in: (1) physical properties, and (2) sedimentology. The JOIDES Resolution Science Operator (JRSO) is committed to a policy of broad participation and inclusion, and to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all program participants. Good working knowledge of the English language is required.

COVID-19 Protocol: The JRSO has created a protocol to safely operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. If pandemic conditions have not improved by summer 2023, the expedition may need to sail with a reduced shipboard contingent. However, all participants will maintain their designation as science party members regardless of whether they sail or not, and will have equal access to all expedition data and core materials. The protocol is available here.

U.S.-affiliated scientists interested in participating in this expedition should apply to sail through the U.S. Science Support Program – click here to review the application process and link to the USSSP Application Portal. The deadline to apply for this special call (US only; expertise in physical properties, sedimentology) is February 27, 2023.

For questions, please email usssp@ldeo.columbia.edu.