Japan's New Ship Sets Standard As Modern, Floating Laboratory

摘要

Scientists expect the Chikyu's massive size and unique capabilities to unlock important secrets that lie underneath the ocean's floor. NAGASAKI, JAPAN—When was the last time scientists got almost everything they wanted? Japan's new riser drilling ship may eventually turn out to have some flaws and limitations But as the 550 dollar million Chikyu nears completion, researchers involved in the 18-nation Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) can hardly contain their excitement. "They've pretty much done it all," says Richard Murray, a marine geochemist at Boston University and chair of an IODP panel that put together a wish list of instruments for the vessel.