Underwater research drilling begins in the volcanoes of Santorini

From mid-December 2022 to mid-February 2023 the US research vessel “JOIDES Resolution” will carry out offshore drilling around Santorini.

The objective of the drilling is to reconstruct the geological history of the volcanic complex of Christians, Santorini and Columbus by collecting sediment cores through the volcanic layers of the sea floor. Mission is part of it International Ocean Exploration Program (International Ocean Discovery Program – IODP).

In order to inform the residents of Santorini and the wider public about the scientific objectives of the research mission and IODP in general before the mission, a new interactive scientific exhibition entitled “Searching for the secrets of Earth”, with the support of the Municipality of Thira, which will last from October 17 to 23.

The opening of the exhibition will be held by the mayor of Santorini on October 16 and will be followed by public lectures by the scientists of the mission. Participants will learn about the history and scientific goals of IODP and the research mission that will take place this winter, take a virtual tour of the JOIDES Resolution research vessel, and understand the geological history of the Santorini, Christian and Columbus volcanoes.

During the week after the opening, students from all schools in Santorini and Thirasia, as well as residents, will be able to visit the exhibition and learn about the International Ocean Exploration Program (IODP), marine research and in general about what scientists hope to learn from the rocks/sediments in the Santorini Caldera and surrounding sea basins. They will be able to see a 3D model of the seabed around Santorini, look at microfossil shells under a microscope and take their very own JOIDES Resolution paper model to make at home. A large inflatable model of the oceanographic ship will await students, while a range of collectible stickers and interactive videos will keep the student audience engaged.

The general public will also have the possibility to continue following the exhibition in the coming months on social media or to request an online meeting on the Zoom platform with the ship when it is in Santorini, in which the scientists -at sea- they will show them around and talk to them.

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