Call to Participate: Expedition 504S: The Volcanic Ash Record from the Ontong Java Plateau
Call to Participate in IODP3 Expedition 504S: The Volcanic Ash Record from the Ontong Java Plateau: testing models of subduction reversal and wind transport in the western equatorial Pacific
IODP3 Expedition 504S is a SPARC (Scientific Projects using ocean drilling ARChives) expedition involving sampling and analysis of volcanic ashes and surrounding sedimentary rocks in legacy ODP and DSDP cores recovered from the Ontong Java Plateau, and held in the Gulf Coast Core Repository (GCR) in College Station, Texas, USA. We invite applications from scientists with interest and expertise relevant to the objectives of the expedition to apply for membership of the IODP3 Expedition 504S Science Team. This call is open to applicants based in nations currently participating in IODP3 or in any nation currently or previously a member of a scientific ocean drilling programme.
Positioned in the western equatorial Pacific, the Ontong Java Plateau (OJP) is the world’s largest oceanic plateau and is flanked by island arc and hotspot volcanoes. Since at least the Eocene, eruptions have deposited volcanic ash throughout the marine sediment accumulating on the OJP. IODP3 Expedition 504S will focus on the provenance, history, and evolution of the volcanic ash record to achieve two principal objectives: (1) pinpoint the timing and mechanism of the subduction reversal resulting from collision of the OJP with the Solomon Islands arc; and (2) reconstruct wind patterns and the deposition of dust and volcanic ash in the western equatorial Pacific since the Eocene.
Opportunities exist for researchers in all specialties. A range of skills will be needed to support the work of the Sampling Party and to conduct the core components of the research. These include (but are not restricted to) sedimentology, volcanology, physical properties analysis, igneous and sedimentary geochemistry, XRF analysis, palaeomagnetism and rock magnetism, palaeoclimatology and palaeoceanography, biostratigraphy, tephrochronology, and tectonic reconstruction. We invite applications by scientists with expertise in each of these specialities, both for “Repository and Laboratory” and “Laboratory-only roles” (see below). We also welcome applications from researchers proposing complementary research projects that go beyond the stated research objectives or wishing to apply additional or novel techniques not listed above.
For more information please read the full call in the PDF below. The Scientific Prospectus can also be found via the link below, and on the Expedition 504S Expedition Page
Applications must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on Friday 16 January 2026 using the IODP3 Gateway system. The Gateway can be accessed via Apply to Participate on the IODP3 webpage, and more information on the content required for applications to this call is also available in the IODP3 Guide for Applicants.
A webinar was held on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at 11am (GMT) to enable the community to find out more about Expedition 504S. A recording of this webinar can be found below, closed captions are available, and can be toggled on and off using the CC button beneath the video (please note these captions are auto-generated).
Any questions about the application process please contact applications@iodp3.org
