Steven N. Carey, Associate Professor of Oceanography Graduate School of Oceanography    The recent exploration of planets in our solar system, such as Mars and Jupiter, has been prominent in the media. The images of the surface of Mars from the Sojourner rover have captured our imagination and demonstrated that the human desire for exploration is still very strong. As we look to the stars, we need to remember that much of our own planet still remains unexplored.The oceans cover two-thirds of the surface of the earth. It is ironic that we have a higher resolution view of the surface of the moon than we do of the earth beneath the sea. This summer marked the passing of an individual who did an enormous amount to initiate the exploration of the seas. Jacques Cousteau, an inventor, explorer, and environmentalist realized the vast unexplored nature of the oceans and their important role in sustaining life on Earth. Through his books, pictures, and films, he increased public awareness of the oceans and profoundly influenced how ocean resources are managed.      In this issue of Maritimes, we look at an exploration program that has not received the kind of public recognition that the space program has but has, nevertheless, led to fundamental discoveries about the Earth. The program, called the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP), began 19 years ago as the Deep Sea Drilling Project. Conceived by earth scientists who wanted to drill deep into the earth's interior, it has evolved into an international multidisciplinary program of cooperative research. ODP is now funded by seven international partners representing 21 countries. These partners are the Australia/Canada/Chinese Taipei/Korea consortium for Ocean Drilling; the European Science Foundation Consortium for Ocean Drilling comprising Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Turkey; France; Germany; Japan; the United Kingdom; and the United States.      The basis of the program is to drill into the seafloor and recover deep cores by using a ship that is, in essence, a floating drill platform. Since 1985, the Ocean Drilling Program has utilized the 143m long JOIDES Resolution as its primary research vessel. It travels the world's oceans carrying a permanent crew of 50 with space for an additional 50 scientists and technicians. Each cruise, or leg, lasts for two months, and the ship operates on an almost year-round basis. With technology developed for the oil industry, the program has drilled more than 1,000 holes throughout the world's oceans. More than 138km of sediment and rock have been recovered, providing more than 1 million samples for more than 1,700 shipboard scientists. These samples have led to the confirmation of theories regarding seafloor spreading, the Earth's magnetic field reversals, undersea volcanism, and plate tectonics. It has provided the long-term records necessary to look at the variations in Earth's climate over millions of years.      Over the years, the University of Rhode Island has maintained a strong presence in the program through participation of scientists on cruises, service on advisory panels, and the gneration of proposals to drive the scientific objectives of the cruises. A former Graduate School of Oceanography faculty member, Jeff Fox, is the director of ODP. In this issue, we highlight the role that the Graduate School of Oceanography has played and will continue to play in the future of the Ocean Drilling Program. As we move into the next millenium, the oceans will prove to be increasingly important in sustaining the well-being of the world's growing population. Its continued exploration will remain a fundamental priority.