We present a short snapshot of the overarching themes where scientific ocean drilling has advanced our knowledge of Planet Earth. Each of these areas will be expanded upon in this OER, but we want to introduce them to you now so that you can keep your eye out for these contributions and connections. Note that data from expeditions will cross over more than one theme, but these videos and articles highlight examples of the work in each area.

Climate and Ocean Change

Reading the past and informing the future

Biosphere Frontiers

Deep life and environmental forcing of evolution

Earth Connections

Deep processes and their impact on Earth’s surface environment

This article from Oceanus Magazine reports on Unlocking the Earth’s time capsule, where mantle rocks and fluids from one of the final expeditions on the R/V JOIDES Resolution will provide insights into how Earth was formed—and maybe how life began—for generations of scientists.

Earth in Motion

Processes and hazards on human timescales