DIVE 2: Drilling the continental crust–mantle transition zone
An ICDP ONLINE Workshop, 10th of July 2025, 14h-17h (CEST)
After successful completion of ICDP Expedition 5071-1 (DIVE 1), we are pleased to announce an online workshop to bring together members of the Earth Sciences community to initiate scientific discussions on goals and strategies for a full drilling proposal of DIVE 2.
DIVE 2 targets the continental Moho transition zone, a major boundary of the Earth’s interior, being the geophysical divide/connector between crust and mantle, and many related themes. The drilling target of DIVE 2 is in Valsesia (N-Italy) where a major geophysical anomaly is within reach (1±1 km b.s.l.) for deep continental scientific drilling.
The following scientific objectives will guide the workshop discussion:
Architecture of the continental ‘Moho’ vs. the crust–mantle boundary. How different are they (petrology – rock physics – geophysics). How thick is the transition zone
Fluid–rock interaction. Initial serpentinization, hydrogen production in pristine mantle rocks. Carbonation along a major fault
Life in the subsurface of continental peridotites. Groundwater flow and gases. Fractures and microbiology
The Agenda of the workshop will include (total 3h):
- Overview of DIVE, initial results DIVE 1, site surveys for DIVE 2
- Discussions to distill major scientific goals and in situ investigations for preparing a full drilling proposal for DIVE 2
- Discussion on project management, scientific collaborations, logistics, funding and permitting, timeline
Scientists interested to participate in the workshop should send an email to othmar.muntener@unil.ch by July 6 th to get a ZOOM link for the meeting. Early career researchers are especially encouraged to participate – it is your chance to be actively involved in preparing a full drilling proposal to ICDP.
