CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

To participate in JOIDES Resolution expeditions for the next phase of scientific ocean drilling, the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP)

IZU-BONIN-MARIANA FOREARC EXPEDITION (August - September 2014)

Application deadline: 1 May 2013

This expedition, based on IODP Proposal 696-Full4, aims to examine early processes in magmatic evolution, chemostratigraphy and arc crustal accretion that are associated with subduction initiation at intra-oceanic convergence plate margins. The objectives will be achieved by coring through the sediment and into the volcanic stratigraphy at two sites on the outer Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) forearctrench system, with total penetrations of ~ 1 km in oceanic crust in water depths between 3.1 and 4.8 km.

Scientific objectivesareto (1) obtain a high-fidelity record of magmatic evolution during subduction initiation by coring volcanic rocks down to underlying intrusive rocks, including obtaining radiometric and biostratigraphic ages; (2) understand the chemical gradients within the rock units and across their transitions, as well as their tectonic significance; and (3) provide empirical constraints for subduction initiation geodynamic models by examining how mantle melting processes evolve from early decompression melting of fertile asthenosphere to late flux melting of depleted mantle. Results from these objectives will help to test the hypotheses that (1) “forearc basalt” tholeiites lie beneath boninites;and (2) forearc lithosphere created during subduction initiation is the birthplace of suprasubduction zone ophiolites.

JOIDES RESOLUTION EXPEDITION SCHEDULE: The expedition schedule (http://iodp.tamu.edu/scienceops/) includes links to the individual expedition web pages that provide the original IODP proposal and expedition planning information.

WHERE TO APPLY: Applications for participation must be submitted to the appropriate IODP Program Member Office – see http://iodp.tamu.edu/participants/applytosail.html