Deep Dive Down Under: Scientific Drilling Highlighted in ANZIC's 2023 Annual Report
The ANZIC Annual Report for 2023(external link) celebrates 15 years of Aotearoa New Zealand’s contributions to ANZIC, through GeoDiscoveryNZ, advancing earth science through scientific drilling for climate understanding and hazard resilience.
The year saw major accomplishments, including support for expeditions, workshops, and grant-funded research. Notably, Georgia Grant joined IODP Expedition 400 to study ice sheet contributions to sea-level rise, engaging New Zealand students through ship-to-shore connections. The SWAIS-2C team also began a pivotal Antarctic drilling mission to understand ice sheet sensitivity, while local experts gained field experience with a new drilling system. In marine exploration, GeoDiscoveryNZ supported seismic data collection along the Hikurangi Subduction Margin and CORK borehole observatories off Gisborne to monitor geological processes. We hosted workshops focused on volcanic and climate research and funded multi-disciplinary research via Legacy Analytical Funding.
We were busy in 2023, continuing to focus on the needs of our local geoscience community as they address critical questions about our Earth. We have ensured that scientific drilling can continue to underpin a broad range of research, revealing more about our planet and informing decisions for our future. I invite you to read more in the Report.
Supporting future scientists, GeoDiscoveryNZ selected students to attend the ANZIC Masterclass on scientific drilling. At the Geosciences Society conference, GeoDiscoveryNZ promoted international scientific drilling opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening partnerships and building resilience for New Zealand’s future.
New Zealand membership of ANZIC and International Scientific Drilling Platforms is supported by MBIE Strategic Science Investment Funding to GNS Science.
"The loyal engagement of New Zealand and Australian earth science communities in the Scientific Drilling enterprise is the cornerstone of our success."
Main image: Sunrise from the JOIDES Resolution on the Mediterranean Sea. Credit: Thomas Ronge