IODP

doi:10.2204/iodp.sp.335.2010

Sampling and data sharing strategy

Shipboard and shore-based researchers should refer to the IODP Sample, Data, and Obligations policy posted on the Web at www.iodp.org/program-policies/. This document outlines the policy for distributing IODP samples and data to research scientists, curators, and educators. The document also defines the obligations that sample and data recipients incur. The Sample Allocation Committee (SAC; composed of Co-Chief Scientists, Staff Scientist, and IODP curator on shore and curatorial representative on board ship) will work with the entire scientific party to formulate a formal expedition-specific sampling plan for shipboard and postcruise sampling.

Shipboard scientists are expected to submit sample requests (at smcs.iodp.org/) 3 months before the beginning of the expedition. Based on sample requests (shore based and shipboard) submitted by this deadline, the SAC will prepare a tentative sampling plan, which will be revised on the ship as dictated by recovery and cruise objectives. For the purpose of developing sample requests, participating scientists should expect to receive on the order of 25–100 samples of no more than 25 cm3. This is based on historic precedent from ODP and IODP designed to enable scientists to complete a research program and meet the established publication deadlines. Postcruise research projects that require more frequent sampling or larger sample volumes should be further justified in sample requests. The sampling plan will be subject to modification depending upon the actual material recovered and collaborations that may evolve between scientists during the expedition. Modification of the strategy during the expedition must be approved by the SAC.

The minimum permanent archive will be the standard archive half of each core. All sample frequencies and sizes must be justified on a scientific basis and will depend on core recovery, the full spectrum of other requests, and the cruise objectives. Some redundancy of measurement is unavoidable, but minimizing the duplication of measurements among the shipboard party and identified shore-based collaborators will be a factor in evaluating sample requests.

If some critical intervals are recovered (e.g., mineralization, veins, breccias, dike or glassy margins, thin gabbroic intervals, melt lenses, etc.), there may be considerable demand for samples from a limited amount of cored material. These intervals may require special handling, a higher sampling density, reduced sample size, or continuous core sampling by a single investigator. A sampling plan coordinated by the SAC may be required before critical intervals are sampled.

Following good practice established during Leg 206 and Expeditions 309/312, we strongly encourage collaboration among the shipboard and shore-based scientists so that the best use is made of the recovered core. Postcruise analytical programs should be coordinated to ensure that the full range of geochemical, isotopic, magnetic, and physical property studies are undertaken on a representative sample suite. Sampling all but the most critical intervals will take place on board the ship, and scientists are encouraged to develop collaborations before Expedition 335.