JOIDES Resolution

ship

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June 29, 2026

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The JOIDES Resolution is a large, advanced research vessel that continued the work of the Glomar Challenger in oceanographic drilling. Converted from a commercial drill ship, it measures 145 meters in length and is equipped with a derrick capable of drilling into the ocean floor at depths up to 8,300 meters.12

This vessel is part of the Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling (JOIDES) program and is operated by Texas A&M University. Its dynamic positioning system allows it to remain stationary over a specific location while drilling, enabling it to collect core samples from most of the ocean floor, including deep ocean basins and trenches. The JOIDES Resolution can operate in challenging conditions, including high waves, strong winds, and currents, and is outfitted for drilling in icy regions. It can accommodate 50 scientists, along with its crew and drilling team, and features extensive geophysical laboratories.2

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Glomar Challenger
…Challenger was continued by the JOIDES Resolution, a larger and more advanced drilling ship of the Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling.
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…Challenger was continued by the JOIDES Resolution, a larger and more advanced drilling ship of the Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling.
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Antarctica
The surrounding seas
…using the new drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution to expand earlier Glomar Challenger studies. Studies in the Weddell Sea (1986–87) suggested that surface waters were warm during Late Cretaceous to early Cenozoic time and that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet did not form until about 10 million to 5 million years…
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…using the new drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution to expand earlier Glomar Challenger studies. Studies in the Weddell Sea (1986–87) suggested that surface waters were warm during Late Cretaceous to early Cenozoic time and that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet did not form until about 10 million to 5 million years…
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undersea exploration
Platforms
The “JOIDES Resolution,” operated by Texas A & M University for the Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling, represents a major advance in research vessels. A converted commercial drill ship, it measures 145 metres in length, has a displacement of 18,600 tons, and is equipped…
Read More
The “JOIDES Resolution,” operated by Texas A & M University for the Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling, represents a major advance in research vessels. A converted commercial drill ship, it measures 145 metres in length, has a displacement of 18,600 tons, and is equipped…
Read More