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PDF Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS)

PDF PEIS Bridging Document

The JOIDES Resolution Science Operator (JRSO) manages and operates the riserless drillship, JOIDES Resolution, for the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). The JRSO is based in the Office of the Vice President for Research of Texas A&M University.

The JRSO is responsible for overseeing the science operations of the riserless drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution, archiving the scientific data and samples and logs that are collected, and producing and disseminating program publications. The drillship travels throughout the oceans sampling the sediments and rocks beneath the seafloor. The scientific samples and data are used to study Earth’s past history, including plate tectonics, ocean currents, climate changes, evolutionary characteristics and extinctions of marine life, and mineral deposits. Drilling operations are conducted purely for scientific purposes and do not include oil exploration.

The JRSO staff is headed by Director Mitch Malone and is divided into four departments: Science Operations; Technical & Analytical Services; Technology Services; and Publication Services. The Texas A&M Research Foundation provides Administrative Services.

IODP is located at 1000 Discovery Drive in the Texas A&M University Research Park.

TAMU also served as the Science Operator of the JOIDES Resolution for the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) from 1985 to 2003, and partnered with the Consortium for Ocean Leadership and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University to serve as the operator of the JOIDES Resolution for the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program from 2004 to 2013.

Download the Legacy of Scientific Ocean Drilling poster (PDF, 22 MB) for an overview of ocean drilling achievements and discoveries since the late 1950s.