Outreach Across the Ocean!

On the 19th of January, students from across the school had the opportunity to speak with the outreach officers and scientists from the JOIDES Resolution (JR), a research vessel that drills into the ocean floor to collect and study core samples. Scientists use data from the JR to better understand climate change, geology and Earth’s history. It is a part of the International Ocean Discovery Program and is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Subject Lead for Geology and the schools Careers Leader had this to say "We are so lucky to have been able to give this opportunity to our students to talk to scientists aboard the JR, as it researched the Walvis Ridge Hotspot, off the coast of Namibia. Using MS Teams, we were able to give our audience of approximately 50 students the chance for a virtual tour of the ship, as well as allowing them to ask questions "live" to the scientists - I look forward to engaging with the crew on their next mission #392, where the International Ocean Discovery Program drilling cruise to the Agulhas Plateau will investigate the interplay between changes in global climate, ocean depth and ocean circulation. This really brings alive to our fantastic students the importance of the science they study in their Geology lessons!"

Catherine, who attended the meeting said "The experience with the crew of the JOIDES Resolution showed the amazing opportunities for women in roles of science and geology after talking to members of the crew. JOIDES Resolution is a deep ocean drilling exploration ship, on which the scientists are researching core samples, by drilling 450m into the ocean floor to collect and study to try to understand the Earth’s history and structure, all the while trying to remain in the same position in the ocean. Working offshore from Namibia, South Africa, we had the opportunity to talk to the scientists and experience the complexity of their equipment and the processes they complete to collect and study their samples in order to find out more about what lies underneath our oceans.”

Find out more: JOIDES Resolution - Science in Search of Earth's Secrets